Spring is just around the corner, and West Virginia University’s President’s Office for Social Justice is kicking it off with a celebration of diversity.

WVU’s Spring Forward with Diversity consists of three separate events, which will be held March 17-18.

“Spring brings new energy, and this year it is special through our diversity events. It’s always a good time to recognize accomplishments and to learn from each other. Spring Forward with Diversity is yet another opportunity for celebration, learning and building relationships,” said Jennifer McIntosh, executive officer for social justice.

The first event will be the “Journey Across the World Artifact Tour,” held on March 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mountainlair Gold Ballroom. The event will be similar to an open house. International organizations, along with WVU organizations including the Native American and Appalachian history groups will be on hand to present and share artifacts, clothing, jewelry and more.

Later that night, from 5-7 p.m. “Games Night Out” will be held in the Rhododendron room in the Mountainlair. International organizations along with the WVU Gaming Club will be presenting games and teaching participants how to play. Refreshments and prizes will be provided by student organizations.

On March 18 from 4-6 p.m. in the Mountainlair ballrooms a “Diversi–Tea” event will be used as a time to recognize and honor women within the WVU community for their support to students and faculty. Students, faculty and community members are invited to come and pay tribute to these important women and sample from a collection of international and bubble teas.

The women who will be honored include: Rebecca Berger, assistant director of Disability Services; Perichan Celik, lecturer in WVU’s Department of Foreign Language’s Intensive English Program; Cathy Jasper, administrative assistant in WVU’s Center for Women’s Studies; Lois Morris, coordinator of WVU’s International HomeStart Closet; Whitney Peters, vice president of WVU’s Student Government Association; Susan Ting, community member; and Inas Yassine, student in WVU’s College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

For entertainment, WVU Indian students will be performing a Bollywood Fusion dance routine, also performed at last year’s Diwali celebration. WVU student Ting Chang, accompanied by student Jing Zheng on the piano, will sing “Simple Gifts”. Student Khe Sin Khoo will play the piano prior to the event.

Participants are asked to RSVP for the tea at http://simpleforms.scripts.wvu.edu/be/SpringTea/ . However, an RSVP is not required to attend.

-WVU-

ep/03/16/10

CONTACT: Sharon Mallow, President’s Office for Social Justice
304-293-5496, Sharon.Mallow@mail.wvu.edu