CSU – Pueblo Multicultural Center to inspire, assist, & unite students
 
Pueblo- Creating a positive, open, and supportive gathering spot for all of Colorado State University – Pueblo’s students was at the heart of the proposal to create a Multicultural Center, which has opened its doors to all students this fall in the lower level of the Occhiato University Center.

The Center, a 1,220 square-foot public meeting space with computers, comfortable furniture, and a conference room, is welcoming faculty, staff, alumni, students, and community organizations to utilize the space and to participate in its mission to embrace and demonstrate multiculturalism in its many forms.

Multicultural Center Director Tony Montoya said he wants to the Multicultural Center to reflect the Multicultural Council’s vision to “produce an environment to enhance positive, challenging, inclusive leaders with a global understanding of multiculturalism who are accountable to society.”

Montoya said the environment itself will reflect multiculturalism, and he has worked to decorate the space so that artwork is representative of varied cultures.

In his August State of the University address, “The Education Imperative: Creating a Foundation for Success,” CSU-Pueblo President Ron Applbaum discussed the University’s role as one of the nation’s 275+ Hispanic Service Institutions. As an Hispanic Serving Institution, he said the University should engage Latino students and provide activities and resources for them, but not to the exclusion of other students. (NOTE: Title V of the U.S. Higher Education Act designates a Hispanic-Serving Institution as any post-secondary school whose student population is al least 25 percent Hispanic and half of that population meets federal low-income guidelines.)

“By encountering a range of racial, ethnic, and cultural perspectives during their college years, students are better prepared to participate in a diverse, democratic society,” Applbaum said. “Research shows that people who have such an orientation also are better critical thinkers and illustrate greater social and interpersonal development. The economy also benefits from citizens who understand issues from different points of view and know how to collaborate harmoniously with workers from a range of cultural backgrounds.”
-more-


CSU-PUEBLO MULTICULTURAL CENTER / PAGE 2

Montoya said students should feel comfortable using the space for relaxation as well as class projects and student club and organization meetings.

Montoya is encouraging faculty and staff to use the Center to provide open forums on various issues and to promote academic preparation strategies. He has begun work with Duane Brown in Student Activities to coordinate educational programming from speakers and films to panel discussions. Montoya also seeks to reach beyond the confines of the University campus to welcome high school students and community organizations into the Center to provide various opportunities for student interaction and partnerships.

“We also want to identify how we can better serve students and create opportunities for them to find shadowing and internship opportunities,” Montoya said.


 Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.