Programs

Programs

Breaking Bread

Breaking Bread

Matt Dilworth, Programs
Probably, if you are a college student, you’ve done some last-minute studying over a pizza. Maybe you’ve gone a week eating little more than Raman noodles because money was tight. Both of these are pretty common in ‘college culture’. Students have gotten together and learned and commiserated over these ‘college cuisine’ foods for generations. Food is a cornerstone of any culture – secular, regional, religious, or national. Not just the taste of the food – but also the social aspects of eating and enjoying time with each other. In experiencing other cultural traditions in sharing meals, we can learn and appreciate that culture in a way that mere words do not convey. The Den and the Diversity Committee are working … Continued
I Will Write Peace on Your Wings

I Will Write Peace on Your Wings

, Frances Yates, Matt Dilworth, Programs
November 17th is World Peace Day, a time when people focus on how they can bring peace through their own grassroots actions (in contrast to holidays like September’s International Day of Peace, which focuses more on global efforts to end wars). Started in 1997 by Don Morris, World Peace Day gives agency to ordinary people who might be unable to contribute to global initiatives. Small, personal acts of personal growth and transformation are celebrated – it is a truly ‘grassroots’ holiday, independent from any specific government or religious organization. One story that inspired Morris was the tale of the Thousand Origami Cranes – a Japanese legend that anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will be granted a single wish. In … Continued
If You Can’t Feed a Hundred People Then Feed Just One

If You Can’t Feed a Hundred People Then Feed Just One

, Matt Dilworth, outreach, Programs
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” – Mother Teresa, Roman Catholic missionary in India (1910-1997) People who are hungry are all around us. We often think of the problem of hunger as one of starvation, experienced by people in war-torn countries thousands of miles away or those at the absolute bottom, who are homeless and alone. But that isn’t true – plenty of people struggle to put food on the table, at least sometimes. We call this Food Insecurity – when people don’t always know where their next meal is coming from, or how they’ll provide their children with something nutritionally adequate and safe. There are, of course, government programs – including food stamps and … Continued
Transform U: Empower Your Vision, Your Voice, Your Future

Transform U: Empower Your Vision, Your Voice, Your Future

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Programs
One of IU East’s core principals is diversity, so we are always excited at new opportunities in multiculturalism. And on November 1st, IU is offering a big one. The annual Diversity Leadership Conference is targeted towards students, helping you contribute to diversity education, personal empowerment, and developing leadership skills. This year’s theme is “Transform U: Empower Your Vision, Your Voice, Your Future” and is geared to empowering students to take ownership of their college experience by taking meaningful action to effect positive change both at their institution and in their world. If you want to develop a broader multicultural understanding of yourself and of your environment, this might be a great opportunity for you. Registration is due by Friday, October … Continued
Festival of Light

Festival of Light

Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Programs
Every autumn, Hindus throughout the world celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Light. Observed on the darkest new moon of the Hindu month Kartik, it is a celebration of spiritual significance. People light diyas, lamps, and candles or shoot off fireworks in celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and everything that stands for – good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. On October 29th IU East will hold a Diwali Festival, starting with a symbolic candle lighting ceremony presided over by Chancellor Kathy Cruz-Uribe, and professors Parul Khurana and Hitesh Kathuria. The food, music, and fellowship begin at 5:30 in Whitewater Hall – you can RSVP with Dr. Kathuria at 765-973-8247 or hikathur@iue.edu. If you are … Continued