Diversity Programming & Resources

At Governors State University there’s a good chance you’ll meet classmates who look a lot like you – or completely different. The diversity of our learning community is one of the things that makes us stand out – everybody fits in here. Our diversity is just one of the reasons GSU changes lives. We have programs that honor our diversity – and they’re just waiting for you to get involved in - special events, workshops, meetings and organizations. No matter which you choose, each recognizes the ethnic and cultural diversity of the campus as a community strength.

Celebrating Diversity & Social Justice

Let's celebrate diversity with our observance of history and heritage months. Throughout each designated month, Governors State University features a variety of programs and events highlighting the culture, traditions and contributions to society which these groups have made. During these months we host a variety of special events - you are bound to find one (or more) that you won't want to miss.

 

  • 2021 Latinx Heritage Month

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     LATINX HERITAGE MONTH 2021 

     
     
     
    SEPTEMBER 15 - OCTOBER 15
    For updates and details, visit https://www.govst.edu/Diversity/ or email diversity@govst.edu.
     

     

    Celebre la Cultura!

    Wednesday, September 15

    Visit and contribute to the Latinx Heritage Month display in the 'B' wing to learn about the contributions, cuisine, and notable figures within the Latin culture.

     

      

    Latinx Cultural Game Night

    Thursday, September 23, 2021 @5pm

     

    Come join in the fun as we play cultural games like Loteria!  There will also be an opportunity for students to chat, engage and learn more about each another through fun ice-breaker activities. Refreshments will be provided!

     


      

    Student Senate Talking Circle

    Thursday, September 30 @ 1:30-2:30pm

     


     

    A Conversation with Adrian Calderon

    Thursday, September 30, 2021 @ 4-5pm

    Engbretson Hall

     

    Adrian Calderon, the Community Outreach Manager at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) will speak to students and reinforce the importance of completing a college education and the value of being active in student organizations while in college.  Adrian will also promote the upcoming USHLI Conference and explain how to apply for the scholarship opportunities that are currently available through the organization.

     

      

     

       Bordado Crafting Night 

    Thursday, October 7, 2021 @ 5-7pm 

      

    Come enjoy a short presentation on the history and significance of bordado (embroidery).  The presentation will be followed by a guided lesson on embroidering canvas pouches. 

     


    Opera Up Close: Viva La Zarzuela!
    Featuring Ensemble Español

      Early October 

    Time: 4 p.m.
    Tickets: $50

    GSU students can purchase up to 4 tickets at $20 each

      

    Your favorite host John Concepción takes you on a musical tour: from the Iberian Peninsula to Latin America with a tribute to Zarzuela and Spanish art songs from around the world. A traditional Spanish genre, Zarzuela is written in an operatic style that incorporates arias, ensembles and dance. A pair of dancers from Ensemble Español will be featured! Enjoy a musical and culinary sampling, seated on stage with the performers!

     

     

    Spanish and Global Studies Speaker Series Presents Silvia Foster-Frau

    Date: Late September

    Time: TBA

    Free

      

    Ms. Foster-Frau is a journalist at the Washington Post covering Multiculturalism and previously covered immigration for the San Antonio Express-News. She will talk about the overall state of immigration in the U.S. from a media perspective, her experience covering immigration in Texas, her current work and her career path. Q&A and discussion to follow.

     

    The Spanish and Global Studies Speaker Series aims to increase global and Spanish-language opportunities and resources that connect the GSU community with the global public square and provides a public forum where students can explore important topics in civil society. It is supported by the Department of Education Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language grant and is part of the “Making Spanish and Global Studies Accessible to All” project.

     

     

    Spanish and Global Studies Speaker Series Presents Kyoung Park

    TBD

    Free

     

    Mr. Kyoung Park is a Korean-Chilean playwright and directs his own theatre company - Kyoung Park's Pacific Beat - in New York City. His theatre revolves around the central question: "How can the performing arts help us create a culture of peace?"

     

    The Spanish and Global Studies Speaker Series aims to increase global and Spanish-language opportunities and resources that connect the GSU community with the global public square and provides a public forum where students can explore important topics in civil society. It is supported by the Department of Education Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language grant and is part of the “Making Spanish and Global Studies Accessible to All” project.

     

     

  • 2021 LGBTQ+ History Month

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    LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH 2021


     
    OCTOBER 1ST - OCTOBER 31ST
    For updates and details, visit https://www.govst.edu/Diversity/ or email diversity@govst.edu.

    Notable LQBTQ+ Figures Virtual Exhibit

    October 2021, All Month


    Visit our virtual exhibit for a display of notable figures and their contributions to the cause and the advancement of the LGBTQ community.  Visit https://prezi.com/view/Dag3d2VwjuvXsc1AHezK/ to view the presentation.

     

     

     

    History of Ball Culture

    October 6th @ 7:30pm

    Engbretson Hall


    Come learn from local and national ball culture icons about the history of Ball Culture that has inspired hit shows such as Pose and Legendary and movies such as Paris is Burning.  Attendees will also learn more information on how to participate in the upcoming Homecoming Jaguar Ball.  This event is open to students, faculty and staff.  For more information email cseip@govst.edu. 



     

    National Coming Out Day

    October 11, All Day

    Hall of Governors

     

    Join SAC as we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally.  Stand in solidarity as you hear stories from the LGBTQ community and allies about their experiences and learn how to support those who came out. 

     

     


     

    And the Category is... Voguing 101

    October 13th @ 7:30pm

    Engbretson Hall


    Voguing is a critical element of ball culture performances.  This is your opportunity to learn how to vogue from local and national ball culture icons.  Attendees will also learn more information on how to participate in the upcoming Homecoming Jaguar Ball.  This event is open to students, faculty and staff.  For more information email cseip@govst.edu.

     

     

     

     

    Jaguar Ball

    October 20th @ 7:30pm

    Sherman Hall


    Are you a fan of the ball culture as featured in TV shows Pose and Legendary and movies such as Paris is Burning?  Well we are bringing it to Governors State University.  Join us for an evening of the history of ball culture, it’s influences in modern society and even see your own Jaguars participate in various categories to be crowned supreme at the inaugural Jaguar Ball.  Please email cseip@govst.edu for more information to participate as well.


     

     

    When Sexuality Meets Faith

    October 27th @ 7:30pm

    CSEIP's Facebook Page


    Join us for a robust conversation with members of various faith communities about the intersection of sexuality and faith.


     

     

    Safe Zone Training (Faculty and Staff)

    October 28th @ 1pm

    Zoom

     

    Safe Zone is a training program designed to raise awareness about the dynamics of gender and sexual orientation while exploring different ways to embody inclusive allyship for people of all orientations, genders, sexualities, identities, and levels of being out.  This training is for faculty and staff.  Please RSVP at safezone@govst.edu by October 22, 2021. 


  • 2022 Black History Month

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    BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022


     
    FEBRUARY 1ST - FEBRUARY 28TH
    For updates and details, visit https://www.govst.edu/Diversity/ or email diversity@govst.edu.
    Black History Month Display
    Month-Long
    B-Wing Display Case
    Kick off the Black History Month celebration by observing some cultural artifacts, activists, traditions and foods that are significant to black culture.
     
     
    Virtual Movie Screening – “13th”
    Thursday, February 3 @ 7pm
    (RSVP to cseip@govst.edu for link)
    "Combining archival footage with testimony from activists and scholars, director Ava DuVernay's examination of the U.S. prison system looks at how the country's history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America."
      
     
    Black History Trivia
    Thursday, February 10 @ 2pm
    Hall of Governors
    Do you have what it takes to go toe to toe in a trivia competition? Come join us for a fun hour of Black History trivia!  Prizes will be awarded to winners.
      
     
    “Moving Forward: The Race Against Time”
    A Talk with Keith Boykin
    Thursday, February 17th @ 1:30pm

    Sherman Hall

    Come and join our live watch party with food, fun, and valuable information from CNN political commentator Keith Boykin.  Mr. Boykin will address the importance of planning for the future of this generation and how powerful outcomes can be achieved despite obstacles faced by many youth today.  Food and beverages to be served.
      
     
    ZuZu African Acrobats
    Thursday February 24th @ 1pm
    Hall of Governors
    Hailing from Tanzania, ZUZU AFRICAN ACROBATS perform ancient traditions such as contortion, unicycle tricks, and human pyramids to the sounds of African beats! The grace, beauty, and strength of Africa stands as living testimony presented through living human art and entertainment.
      
     
    D9 Greek Step Show
    Friday, February 25 @ 8pm
    Hall of Governors
    Celebrate Black History Month with a Greek exhibition step show.
     

  • 2022 Women's History Month

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    WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH 2022


     
    MARCH 1ST - MARCH 31ST
    For updates and details, visit https://www.govst.edu/Diversity/ or email diversity@govst.edu.
    WOMENS HISTORY LITERARY WORKS & RESOURCES
    GSU Library

     
    Are you seeking historical information regarding great women throughout history?  GSU Library has a collection of books, DVD’s and eBooks dedicated to women’s history.   Visit www.govst.edu/library and select the Library Catalog located under Library Resources.  Type in Women’s History Month for your keyword and you will find a listing of items that are currently available in the GSU Library. Visit the library or contact library@govst.edu.  
     


    Women’s History Month Display
    Month-Long
    B-Wing Display Case

    Kick off the Women’s History Month celebration by observing some historical activists and the ongoing fight for equality and women’s rights.


     
    “Women of Wonders”  Women’s History Month Nominations

    This year, the Center for Student Engagement for Intercultural Programs is highlighting powerhouse women of the GSU community in the B wing display case. We're looking for nominations of students, staff, faculty, administration, and alumna!
     
     
    International Women’s Day Celebration #BreaktheBias
    Tuesday, March 8 @ 4:30-6pm

    This hybrid event will educate and empower the GSU community about how promote gender equality.  There will also be the usual carnation distribution by OIS. 
     
     
    Breaking the Glass Ceiling with Female Entrepreneurs
    Thursday, March 17 @ 2pm

    Come and engage in a conversation with Jasmine Jones, an entrepreneur who has broken barriers in the athletic shoe world and currently designs shows for Adidas as an independent contractor.
     
     
    “Women’s March” Virtual Movie Screening
    Month-Long

    “Shot on location in five U.S. cities, WOMEN'S MARCH is a story about democracy, human rights, and what it means to stand up for your values in today's America. On January 21, 2017, hundreds of thousands of women marched on Washington, D.C. That same day, hundreds of sister marches took place nationally and globally to become the largest one-day protest in American history.”  To watch, visit https://www.kanopy.com/signup?destination=node%2F3165531 and sign up under Governors State University.
     
     
    Orange Table Talk
    Thursday, March 24 @ 1pm

    This year, we are doing something different and hosting our first "Orange Table Talk," an event which features a multi-generational panel of GSU women participating in a panel discussion about everyday topics of importance to women. We would like to invite you to enjoy and engage in conversation with our panel of wonderful women!  
     
     
    Keynote Address from Dr. Lisa Aponte-Soto
    Thursday, March 31 @ 2pm 

     
    Dr. Soto is a “transformative research, evaluation, and training consultant. Her work focuses on equitable health, education, and workplace practices. I specialize in community-driven models with asset-based approaches using mix-methods. She facilitates trainings on culturally responsive practices, capacity building, Latinx leadership, and strategic visioning.  

    Dr. Soto has extensive experience working in academia, social services, and health care settings, conducting administrative operations, program management, grants management, policy development, research, and evaluation. She has successfully managed marketing, communications, and branding efforts at multiple settings to promote the visibility and awareness of programs with local, regional, and national platforms.”