Combined networking event supports communities of color

The upcoming Weaving New Beginnings: Community Connections networking event will provide students, faculty members and staff of color the opportunity to connect with campus resources in support of diverse identities and holistic success at the UO.

The event will take place Oct. 25, from 5-7 p.m. at the Erb Memorial Union ballroom. It is being offered through a collaboration by the Division of Student Life and the Division of Equity and Inclusion’s Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence.

Historically, Weaving New Beginnings and Community Connections Reception were separate annual events. Each proved to be vital in the retention of students, staff and faculty members of color. After years of being individual events, they are being combined to bring faculty and staff of color together with students of color to promote networking, education and mentoring opportunities.

Kevin Marbury, vice president for student life, is looking forward to the event and excited by the collaboration.

“The start of a new school year is an exciting time as we welcome new students, faculty and staff while reconnecting with those returning to the campus,” he said. “The collaboration between the two programs promises to allow even more opportunities for people to network and find their space at the UO. I look forward to these events every year and am excited to see the result of the collaborative efforts.”

A general welcoming reception will be followed by presentations from campus individuals and groups. Time also will be provided for informal conversation over hearty appetizers and time to check out tables with a range of information about campus organizations, resources and support from academic offerings to the UO strategies groups.

Yvette Alex-Assensoh, vice president for the Division of Equity and Inclusion, views the collaboration as a way to extend support across campus.

“Weaving New Beginnings: Community Connections will build academic, social and personal support,” she said. “It is a way for us to formally welcome new students, faculty and staff of color and introduce them to those more established here. We will celebrate the unique perspectives being brought to the UO and provide opportunities to create strong bonds, support systems and community between students, faculty and staff of color.”

The event is free and open to all. An RSVP is appreciated, but not required.

By tova stabin, University Communications