ISSUED: 23 August 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs received a $7,500 grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Diversity for Equity Grant Program to enhance campuswide social justice initiatives.
Dr. Tom Segar, vice president for student affairs, said the grant will help meet training goals and facilitate programs that promote cultural and identity awareness, appreciation of others, celebration of differences, acceptance of all, and advocacy for the voiceless among all campus constituencies.
“This grant will enhance Shepherd’s education and outreach programs that are making a significant difference in how students, faculty, staff, and community members engage with one another,” said Segar.
The grant will support the Multicultural Leadership Team retreat August 31-September 2, a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on September 17, a workshop on suicide prevention in September, monthly social justice trivia activities, National Coming Out Day in October, a Common Reading event in November, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service: A Day On, Not a Day Off in January 2019.
February 2019 events supported by the grant include the fifth Storer College Faculty Award ceremony, a performance by Soul Steps showcasing the African-American dance tradition of stepping, and a Native American heritage celebration. The grant will also support two March 2019 events—the fourth annual Phenomenal Women Ceremony for Women’s History Month and the second annual Diversity and Inclusion Conference to build skills surrounding social justice and advocacy.
— 30 —