North Park鈥檚 student cultural organizations provide connection and education.听
By Megan Gilmore BA 鈥�05, MA 鈥�13, MNA 鈥�13听听
For nearly 70 years, student cultural groups at 萝莉社 have provided connection and education on campus, embodying the university鈥檚 intercultural distinctive. From the Black Student Union (BSU) founded in 1956, to more recent additions like the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and the Middle Eastern Student Association, to the Scandinavian Student Association that ties closely to the university鈥檚 roots, these groups play a vital role in campus life, reflecting the rich tapestry of the student body.听
“We want to create an environment that is welcoming and feels like home away from home for international students.”
鈥擬ahnoor Uddin, SASA President
There are 10 currently active cultural organizations supported by the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life, each growing out of student desire to connect their cultural heritage with their educational community. Hundreds of students participate in these groups, from casual get-togethers to large events highlighting important cultural and religious celebrations. Many events are open to the broader campus community, like the recent Lunar New Year celebration led by the East Asian Student Association or BSU鈥檚 February celebrations for Black History Month.
Weaving North Park鈥檚 intercultural tapestry听听
To kick off each semester, student cultural organizations are introduced as a central part of campus life at Viking Fair. Filling Hamming Hall, each student club can interact with others looking for a place to plug in.听
BSU is the oldest active cultural group on campus. Its legacy of advocacy and education has carried through to its current membership. 鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to building a community,鈥� said current BSU President David Wortham. We want to provide not only fun and social events but also educational ones that focus on Black excellence.鈥�听
Earning the designation of a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2020, at least 25% of the university鈥檚 undergraduate student body is Hispanic. LASO leads the celebration of many cultures in ways that are accessible to the entire student body, from music, food, and dance to history and current social events.听
鈥淟ASO has played a significant role in promoting awareness and appreciation of Latin American culture,鈥� current President Yamileth Gonzalez said.
鈥淲e serve as an advocate for the needs of Latin American students. The organization works to amplify voices, address issues, and fight for inclusivity.鈥�听
鈥擸amileth Gonzalez, LASO President
Many of the Asian-focused organizations are more recent additions to the community, reflecting the changing student body demographics. Dr. Boaz Johnson, professor of Hebrew, Bible, and Theological Studies, helped students create the South Asian Student Association (SASA) in 2007 as the country was still healing from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Muslims, many of them from South Asian countries, faced hostilities in their daily lives. Johnson wanted to provide a place for students to interact with their religions, culture, history, and current events while engaging in peace and reconciliation experiences.听
鈥淪ASA has organized and celebrated religious and cultural festivals of Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. It has enabled newly immigrated students and second-generation immigrant students to celebrate each other, irrespective of religious and linguistic differences,鈥� Johnson said.听
鈥淎ll of our events are always open to the entire campus. Everyone is welcome,鈥� added SASA President Mahnoor Uddin.听听听听听
Creating a home away from home听听听
North Park鈥檚 student cultural organizations provide a welcome landing spot for students during their college experience. The groups gather regularly for organized events, but members also organically build support networks and lifelong friendships. Faculty and staff advisors provide guidance, a listening ear, and encouragement.听
鈥淲e want to create an environment that is welcoming and feels like home away from home for international students and a new experience for students who don鈥檛 know about South Asian culture,鈥� Uddin said.听
鈥淲e try to support members by checking in at our biweekly meetings, making sure they know they鈥檙e cared for,鈥� Wortham said of the BSU members. 鈥淚f an issue does arise for one of our members, we offer help to get them the resources they need.鈥�听
The East Asian Student Association (EASA) was formed in 2008, creating a new sense of community for many students. Co-Presidents Vy Pham and Melissa Vinluan were drawn to the group because it felt like home. 鈥淚鈥檓 a commuter student, and I first heard of EASA through social media. I saw 鈥楨ast Asian鈥� and thought, 鈥榠t鈥檚 me!鈥欌�� Vinluan said.听
Pham discovered EASA through Viking Fair. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have a lot of Asian friends when I first came to North Park, which made me feel lonely. I went to Viking Fair the first week and looked specifically for Asian student associations. It was in 2020, so lots of changes were happening in the world, and it was comforting to know there was a group for me.鈥�听
鈥淲e see each other every day on campus for casual get togethers. We study together鈥� it鈥檚 like family,鈥� she added.听
鈥淥ur community is so open, welcoming to people whether you鈥檙e Asian or not,鈥� Vinluan said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 part of our culture to be welcoming to people who want to join.鈥�听听听
鈥淟ASO creates a safe environment for students to make new connections鈥nd find a voice on campus,鈥� Gonzalez said. 鈥淟ASO at North Park has opened opportunities for students to create skills that will prepare them for the work force and encourage students to stand up as Latinos.鈥澨�听
Ultimately, fostering this sense of belonging and community is vital in how North Park鈥檚 cultural organizations help to shape lives on campus and to prepare students for the next steps on their journeys after graduation.听
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