Phenomenal Woman Ceremony
Wednesday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Shepherd University, Erma Ora Byrd Hall
The second Annual Phenomenal Woman Ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. in Erma Ora Byrd Hall as a celebration of Women’s History Month. The Phenomenal Woman Ceremony is an awards ceremony to celebrate the women of Shepherd University and to award two women (Faculty, Staff, or Student) in recognition of showcasing all the great things women contribute to our society and for empowering our students who identify as women to be active and inspirational members of society.
This year’s student recipient was Alyson Hehr. Alyson is involved in a number of on-campus activities including Catholic Campus Ministries and Model UN. She has also created her own non-profit organization named Alyson’s Angels which benefits babies in the NICU. She was also recently accepted into law school.
This year’s faculty/staff recipient was Tracy Seffers. Tracy is the Registrar of Shepherd. She also supports veterans at Shepherd as the Team River Runners Chapter Coordinator and by facilitating therapeutic drumming sessions all over the four-state area. She also volunteers extensively in the community.
Congratulations to both recipients and all 14 phenomenal women who were nominated. Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
“They Call Me Q”
Wednesday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Shepherd University, Marinoff Theater
The Performing Arts Series at Shepherd and Multicultural Student Affairs presented the award-winning play “They Call Me Q” on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepherd University’s Marinoff Theater. Developed by actress and playwright Qurrat Ann Kadwani, the play spoke to the universal search for identity experienced by immigrants of all nationalities.
“They Call Me Q” is the story of a girl from Bombay growing up in the Bronx who seeks balance between cultural pressure and wanting acceptance into American culture. Along the journey, Qurrat Ann Kadwani transforms into 13 characters that have shaped her life including her parents, her teachers, Puerto Rican classmates, and Indian and African American friends. View the Trailer. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series at Shepherd University and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Storer College Faculty Award
Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at 7:00 p.m.
Shepherd University Student Center, Storer Ballroom
The third Annual Storer College Faculty Award ceremony took place on February 15, 2017, as a celebration of Black History Month. This year’s recipient was Dr. Heidi Hanrahan.
The Storer College Faculty Award recognizes a member of the faculty at Shepherd University who incorporates diversity and social justice into their classroom, research, scholarship, and interaction with students. Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Diversity and Equity Committee.
Red Hoop Pow Wow
Saturday, November 12, 2016, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shepherd University Student Center, Storer Ballroom
This All Nations pow-wow, presented and organized by the Brown and Winters families of Wanblee, South Dakota, was the third visit to the University campus. Dancers and singers traveled from several states, representing many Native American tribes. The Medicine Horse Singers were the host drum. The head man was Charlie Under Baggage. The head woman was Jennifer Under Baggage. Reed Brown Jr. is the organizer and arena director for the Red Hoop pow-wow. Mr. Brown, an Oglala Lakota, is a frequent visitor to Shepherdstown and has family connections in the area. Raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, his ancestors include the famed Sioux chief, Red Cloud, the medicine man, Chips, and the Moytoy line of Cherokee chiefs.
“Mitakuye oyasin” is a phrase from the Lakota language that translates into English as “all my relations,” and expresses an interconnected worldview of oneness, a spirit that event planners hope to share with all visitors to the pow-wow. Sponsored by The Performing Arts Series at Shepherd and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Hands for Humanity
Monday, November 14, 2016, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Shepherd University Midway
Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at 7:45 p.m.
Shepherd University Student Center, Storer Ballroom
Activism 101 with David A. Romero
September 28, 2016
Shepherd University Student Center, Storer Ballroom
The Multicultural Leadership Team hosted an open forum featuring Spoken Word artist David A. Romero, who returned to Shepherd University to present his Activism 101 workshop. Through this session, attendees learned how to organize the change they want to see on campus and how to become constructive advocates on campus, in the community, and in the world. FREE for Shepherd students.
“Black Voices on Campus: Common Issues and Divergent Perspectives” Listening Session
September 13, 2016
Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education
Public Forum on LGBT Issues: A Global Perspective in Advocacy And Human Rights
July 12, 2016
Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education
This forum explored the struggle in the United States for equal rights and protections for LGBT individuals to live openly without discrimination since the legalization of same-sex marriage in June 2015, which created a backlash of more than 100 bills introduced in 22 states that would legalize discrimination against them. The forum addressed what this backlash means for human rights in the United States, what the experiences of LGBT citizens are in other cultures, and how citizens of the U.S. can work together to create a more just, tolerant, and diverse community. The forum included a panel of six scholars, policymakers, and activists including Norge Espinosa Mendoza, a poet, playwright, and cultural critic. Hosted in partnership with the Shepherd University Department of Music, the Office of International Student Affairs, and the Lifelong Learning Program. Read the Full Article.