Utah State University Celebrates Diversity Week

Sonny Bryant is diversity and organizations vice president for the Associated Students of Utah State University. In that role he has more than a full plate, working with the 116 clubs officially recognized on campus. He also heads efforts for the university’s annual Diversity Week, held this year Nov. 12-16.

Bryant is a senior majoring in biology. He graduated from Page High School in Page, Ariz., and said he first became involved in student government at USU through the Native American Student Council. He came to USU through the encouragement of a friend who had attended and with a slight push from his parents.

 

“When I visited campus, I liked the area,” Bryant said. “One of the things that kept me here was the weather.”

 

That comment might seem at odds with Cache Valley’s wintertime reputation.

 

“I’d never had much chance to play in snow,” Bryant said. “I like snow and I like to play in the snow. The summers here are awesome, and the spring is so green. I really like the change of the seasons here.”

 

Once on campus, Bryant became active in student government and encourages others to participate.

 

“I enjoy being surrounded by people from various backgrounds,” he said about his involvement with student government. “There is a lot of talent on the USU campus, and I love to see that talent come from people from diverse backgrounds. There are some very confident individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I think the spotlight should be shared.”

 

Running for the diversity v.p. office was an experience of a lifetime, he said. And now in office, he wears many hats, working with a number of groups and organizations, as well as the administration. He also said he has received great support from his assistants Kendra Askeroth and diversity chair Kolby Kent Nelson.

 

Diversity Week is important to the students at USU, and Bryant’s position in ASUSU — diversity vice president — was created several years ago. When the office was added, one of the charges was for the officer to head an organized diversity week on campus, with a focus on cultural diversity.

 

“We want to improve and promote the cultural experience of all students on campus,” he said. “The focus is on diversity, from ethnic background to sexual orientation to simply being an out-of-state student.”

 

With more than 100 clubs on campus, there is plenty of diversity, including the major multicultural student clubs, and many will contribute during Diversity Week. Music, lectures, food and plenty of dancing — both as observers and participants — are on the schedule.

 

Activities actually begin before the official week, with the “Black and White Affair.” This dinner and dance is sponsored by the Black Student Union and is Thursday, Nov. 8, from 7-11 p.m. at the Haight Alumni Center. Cost for the dinner and dance is $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Those who attend the dance only are admitted for $3 in advance or $5 at the door. As the name implies, the evening has a black-and-white theme and attire in those colors is encouraged. Bryant said this should be a fun, classy event. Advance tickets can be purchased in TSC 309 or at the TSC Service Center, room 212.

 

Also on the schedule is a follow-up discussion from the production N*W*C that is Friday, Nov. 9, and takes place from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center Auditorium.

 

Major activities for Diversity Week begin Monday, Nov. 12, with an event called the “Stir-Fry Seminar,” featuring Lee Mun Wah in the Eccles Conference Center, room 205-206.

 

“I really like the approach taken by the guest speaker in the ‘Stir-Fry Seminar,’” Bryant said. “His approach works. He promotes dialogue while dealing with the areas of racism, diversity and understanding our differences. He really promotes an environment that makes people comfortable having this dialogue. I hope everyone at USU takes advantage of this opportunity and attends the seminar. This workshop is designed for participation.”

 

An overview of the workshop titles and times include:

 

- “Unlearning Racism,” 1-2:30 p.m., Eccles Conference Center

- “Unlearning Racism,” 2:30-4 p.m., Eccles Conference Center

- “Conversation with Lee Mun Wah,” 4-5 p.m., refreshments served, Eccles Conference Center

 

During the week, a series of international films will be shown as part of an International Film Festival. The first is Monday evening (Nov. 12). The South African film Cape of Good Hope screens at 7 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center Auditorium. Popcorn and drinks are available.

 

Sample a variety of foods from around the world Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the “World Sampler,” 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the TSC patio. Five booths will be operated by multicultural clubs — the Black Student, Polynesian Student and Latino Student unions, as well as the Asian American Student Council and the Native American Student Council. Cost is $3.

 

The international film festival continues Nov. 13 with a showing of Curse of the Golden Flower, a film from China. Get popcorn and drinks at the TSC Auditorium for the 7 p.m. screening.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 14, is highlighted with presentations by the International Student Council from 12:30-1:30 p.m. with “Countries and Cultures,” in the TSC Auditorium. Students from China, India, Africa and others will share information from their countries. Later that evening the Breaking Boundaries Dance Show is on tap from 7-9 p.m. in the TSC Stevenson Ballroom. Admission is $5.

 

“This company was organized this semester,” Bryant said. “This will be a collaborative show that includes all of the dance clubs on campus. It will be a very cool program.”

 

Among the campus dance clubs are the Big Band Swing Club, Salsa Club, Hip-Hop and others.

 

Activities Thursday, Nov. 15, include a religious diversity panel in the TSC Sunburst Lounge from noon to 2 p.m. Religious representatives from campus groups are involved.

 

The international film festival continues that evening, with a film from Palestine, Paradise Now. The film begins at 7 p.m. in the TSC Center Colony Room. There will be popcorn and drinks.

 

Friday, Nov. 16, is designated “International Dress Day,” and all USU students are encouraged to wear the cultural apparel from their home country. The Diversity Carnival takes place from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the TSC second floor. This event is a club exhibition, where many of USU’s clubs will have exhibits, games and information. USU students are encouraged to stop and learn more about the many clubs on campus. Music and dance exhibitions are presented in the Cultural Showcase from 2:30-4:15 p.m. in the Sunburst Lounge. The university’s 14^th Annual Diversity Awards will be presented at 4:15 p.m. in the Sunburst Lounge. This year’s recipients are Steven H. Hanks, John E. Ribera, Hector Mendiola, Ariel E. Rosario and Kelly Johnson. All are honored for their significant contributions to affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity.

 

The popular Mr. and Ms. International Pageant takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center Ballroom and everyone is invited. This yearly event is hosted by the International Student Council. Admission is $3 and tickets are available at the TSC Service Center and in TSC room 311.

 

The evening ends on a high note with the “Superhero Dance,” with activities throughout the Taggart Student Center.

 

“This is really cool,” Bryant said. “You can dress up as your favorite superhero and dance the night away. Spread the word — this is going to be fun.”

 

Plans call for three live bands, a DJ and a karaoke room.

 

USU’s Diversity Week concludes Saturday, Nov. 17, in the TSC Sunburst Lounge with the fundraising event “Sham-Rock!” The final activity is sponsored by Kappa Delta, and all proceeds will go to Prevent Child-Abuse America. There will be two bands, Isaac Hayden and Reign Over Ruins. Admission is $5 and activities begin at 6 p.m.

 

“As you can see, there is a lot going on during Diversity Week at USU,” Bryant said. “I encourage students to take advantage of what they can. I know many students work and have other responsibilities, but Diversity Week provides an opportunity for us to come together on campus to learn more about each other. It’s a time of respect and a time of fun.”

 

Contact: Sonny Bryant (435) 797-8153, s.bryant@aggiemail.usu.edu