Messages from AVP/SDO
Messages from AVP/SDO
Welcome to the ODEI communications page. The following sections contain archived messages from the AVP/SDO to the campus, whether it is to faculty and staff, students, or the entire SMC campus community.
Note: These sections are past communications and may not be entirely up to date on current communications from ODEI. Please watch for and read emails, newsletters, social media posts, and events as ODEI messages the SMC community.
AVP/SDO Campus Messages
Launch of the HSI Website
Dear Saint Mary’s community,
I am pleased to announce the launch of our new Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) website, a project that has been a long time in the making. This initiative reflects the grassroots efforts of our campus community to create a space that supports and uplifts our multifaceted Latinx and Latine identities.
The website was made possible thanks to the dedication and collaboration of various members of our community, including members of the Access and Equity group and the newly formed HSI Advisory Council. I want to especially recognize Gabby Bermudez who helped with the initial design, Daniela Rojas, our amazing MICAH intern who helped me build the pages, and many others who contributed their time and expertise.
Here’s what you can expect from the HSI website:
- Campus Resources and Support
Discover departments, centers, and initiatives that offer culturally enriching experiences and tailored support for our Latinx students. - Showcasing Achievements
The site highlights the creative work, academic successes, and activism of our diverse Latinx community. - Centering Students
True to our mission as an HSI, the website ensures that our commitment to “servingness” remains intentional and impactful.
I am proud to share that this website is intentionally and unapologetically bilingual, reflecting the linguistic diversity of our community and ensuring that it is accessible to all.
This website is just one of the many initiatives that the HSI Advisory Council will continue developing and working on. The HSI Advisory Council will play a vital role in shaping our strategies and ensuring that we continue to create a supportive and inclusive environment for our Latinx students.
We look forward to sharing more updates on the council’s work and upcoming initiatives in the spring semester.
You can visit the website here: https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/about/bienvenidos-la-universidad-saint-marys-college-de-california
Warmly,
María Luisa Ruiz
Senior Academic Diversity Officer
Escala SMC Invitation
As noted in the last ODEI newsletter, Saint Mary’s College recently took a significant step toward strengthening its service to Latinx students by participating in the ESCALA Moving Towards Servingness (MTS) retreat, a three-day intensive program focused on improving campus-wide efforts for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). A team of 15 faculty, staff, and students, with the support of the Office of Academic Affairs, engaged in this retreat to deepen their understanding of how to better serve Latinx students and drive institutional change.
The team has been meeting weekly to move forward on action plans that are a step forward to visibilize and instutionalize HIS initiatives at SMC.
We invite you to join us on Friday November 15 from 9-10:30 PST on zoom (see attached flyer) for a “Celebration of Learning” at which the Saint Mary’s team will be presenting their HSI plans. We would love to have the community hear about the work we’ve been engaged in since August.
Hope to see you there!
Warmly,
María Luisa Ruiz (co-lead)
Amaury Avalos (co-lead)
New Bias Reporting Form & Process
Dear Saint Mary’s Community,
We are writing to share a newly revised Bias Response landing page and intake form. On the landing page, you will also find information about what to expect when filing a report.
Effective immediately, the new Bias Response Form is open and a new streamlined process will ensure that we are addressing reported bias incidents in a timely manner. We have listened to the campus community and are hopeful that we will be more diligent in a manner that conveys the seriousness and care regarding how each bias incident report will be handled.
Once filing a bias report you can expect a response from either the Dr. Laura Lyndon (AVP/Dean of Students) or Dr. Terri Jett (AVP/Senior Diversity Officer) indicating receipt and initial thoughts on the most appropriate process towards resolution. Please note that we will stay in communication with the person filing the bias report to ensure full transparency.
If there are any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Dr. Terri Jett (trj3@stmarys-ca.edu)
Associate Vice President/Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Laura Lyndon (lkl3@stmarys-ca.edu)
Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, Division of Student Life
Introducing Dr. Terri Jett, Our New AVP/Senior Diversity Officer Jan 2024
Dear Saint Mary’s College community,
I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Terri Jett will be joining Saint Mary’s in the role of Associate Vice President/Senior Diversity Officer (AVP/SDO). Dr. Jett, a Bay Area native who will be returning to her native California after a distinguished career at Butler University in Indiana, will join our campus community on April 1, 2024.
The AVP/SDO position here at Saint Mary’s is one that represents the heart of the 360-year educational history and tradition established by Saint John Baptist de La Salle. I consider it foundational to our work here at Saint Mary’s, and fundamental to our character as a Lasallian Catholic institution of higher education for the 21st century.
Dr. Jett has already expressed interest in learning more about this heritage and how she can help us all animate our core principles of faith in the presence of God, quality education, respect for all persons, inclusive community, and commitment to the poor and social justice.
Dr. Jett brings with her an extraordinary academic background and a wealth of experience as an educator. She possesses a strong desire to continue her career in a faith-based institution with a mission to serve those who would otherwise not have access to higher education, and to strengthen belonging as a hallmark of the Saint Mary’s experience.
At Butler, Dr. Jett serves as a Professor of Political Science/Peace and Conflict Studies. She is also a member of the Affiliate Faculty of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, as well as Faculty Director for the Hub for Black Affairs and Community Engagement. For 2021-22, Dr. Jett was named a Distinguished Faculty Award recipient for her lasting contributions to Butler University.
Dr. Jett’s achievements, academic accomplishments, scholarship and publications, community involvement, and professional memberships are too vast for me to list here. I will note, however, that she was the first Black woman to earn tenure at Butler, and in 2020 she became the first Black woman to be promoted to full professor. I invite you to learn more about her impressive background by reading her C.V.
Dr. Jett has embraced a wide variety of critical roles. At Butler, she has been a member of the steering committee of the Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program, a Faculty Senator, and a Faculty Fellow at the Desmond Tutu Peace Lab Think Tank. She also served as Department Chair from 2007-2014 and resumed the role on an interim basis during the current Chair’s sabbatical leave.
I was struck by a comment by one of her Butler colleagues: “One of the many outstanding aspects of Dr. Jett’s career has been her innovative spirit and her ability to develop undergraduate experiences that invite students into her areas of academic investigation,” wrote Terri Carney, Professor of Spanish, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at Butler.
Although Dr. Jett will be responsible for leading, advancing, and ensuring accountability for our DEI efforts and their integration throughout our campus, we are all responsible for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are fortunate to have Dr. Jett to lead those efforts, establish benchmarks, chart our progress, measure outcomes, and evaluate institutional change.
I would also like to express my great gratitude for the work of the search committee, and the leadership of Dr. María Luisa Ruiz throughout the process, as well as the students and other members of the SMC community who helped make this a successful search. The behind-the-scenes labor involved in our Open Forum events, as well as other aspects of the search process, go far beyond individual job descriptions, so I very much appreciate the efforts of those individuals and the work of Greenwood/Asher & Associates for their important contributions.
Search committee:
- María Luisa Ruiz, Chair, Interim Senior Diversity Officer
- Ameera Ibrahim, SEBA Faculty Representative
- Rebecca Anguiano, KSOE Faculty Representative
- José Feito, SOS Faculty Representative
- Sunayani Bhattacharya, SOLA Faculty Representative
- Carrie Davis, Director, Mission and Ministry
- Aeleah Soine, Vice Provost for Student Success
- James Scuito, Vice President for Student Life
- Jennifer Pigza, Director, CILSA, CCIE chair (interim)
- Kalilah Epperson-Lee ASSMC Student Representative
- Karin Hein, Staff & HR Support (non-voting)
María Luisa will continue in her role as Interim Senior Diversity Officer throughout this academic year and will support the transition when Dr. Jett joins us in April. I am exceptionally grateful to her for her work.
Please join me in thanking the search committee members and in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Terri Jett to Saint Mary’s!
Sincerely,
Brother Thomas Jones, FSC
Interim President
Update on Associate Vice President/SDO search Sept 2023
Associate Vice President and Senior Diversity Officer
Search Committee Kickoff
The Search Committee has met with Greenwood, Asher, and Associates (GAA) on multiple occasions. We have been working diligently to establish a process by which we can identify a DEI practitioner to lead our community through a lasting and significant transformation, one who will provide strategic leadership in the college’s efforts to create a climate that prioritizes and promotes inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging. With the support and expertise of GAA, we are committed to a search process that finds the best and right candidate for the position.
Please see here for the full job description and the position profile found on the GAA website and Linked in page.
Regular updates about the search will be sent via email and also posted on the Office of Diversity and Equity website.
Search Committee Members
Committee chair:
- María Luisa Ruiz, Senior Diversity Officer (interim)
Members:
- Ameer Ibrahim, SEBA Faculty Representative
- Rebecca Anguiano, KSOE Faculty Representative
- Jose Feito, SOS Faculty Representative
- Sunayani Bhattacharya, SOLA Faculty Representative
- Courtney Gordon, Sr. Admin Assistant, KSOE
- Carrie Davis, Director, Mission and Ministry
- Aeleah Soine, Vice Provost for Student Success
- James Scuito, Vice President for Student Life
- Jennifer Pigza, Director, CILSA, CCIE chair (interim)
- Kalilah Epperson-Lee ASSMC Student Representative
- Karin Hein, Staff & HR Support (non-voting)
I’d like to thank Dr. Robin Dunn (SOLA Faculty Representative) and Dr. Jyoti Bachati (SEBA Faculty Representative) who served on the committee and are now on sabbatical.
Over a series of listening sessions last spring semester with members of the Saint Mary’s community, the committee and GAA received input about key priorities, expectations, and vision for this role. Participants in the sessions identified a series of themes and a broad array of responsibilities, capacities, and resources necessary for a candidate to be successful, especially in this period of transition and change. The listening sessions last spring helped shape the draft of the job description and really highlighted the need for the college to ensure that our current and future SDOs have the capacities and resources to advance an equity frame for Saint Mary’s College.
Institutional Goals for the AVP/SDO and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Saint Mary’s:
The AVP/SDO is responsible for and is empowered to lead, advance, and ensure that accountability for DEI efforts is integrated throughout the entire institution. The AVP/SDO is not responsible alone for DEI. Still, they are expected to identify ways to accomplish the work of the institution, using measurable and realistic metrics of assessment to establish benchmarks, demonstrate progress, measure outcomes, and evaluate institutional change.
● Improve the recruitment, retention, and advancement of students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented communities;
● Advocate for allyship and provide education and training for campuswide allyship;
● Lead with a justice-driven approach;
● Create a culture of visibility for this position and for all DEI efforts;
● Help Saint Mary’s live up to its commitment to ’’respect all persons’’ and be an inclusive community’’ that is a model for other communities within the Bay Area and beyond;
● Be a strategic thinker and utilize the climate survey to build and implement a 5-year strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion for Saint Mary’s;
● Work towards improving accessibility for all groups as it relates to on-campus facilities.
As the job description highlights, this Senior Staff position reports directly to the President, in partnership with the entire senior leadership team, especially the Provost, Academic Affairs leadership, Vice President for Mission, Human Resources, Student Life, and the Office of Institutional Research. The AVP/SDO and their Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, will lead Saint Mary’s to create a culture of continuous improvement and accountability by planning and assessing DEI initiatives across the college, aligned with the institutional strategic plan, Transformation 2028.
Please email me if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions dei@stmarys-ca.edu
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies (SaLAS)
Faculty/Staff HSI reading group May 2023
Hello,
I am reaching out on behalf of myself and Aeleah Soine to invite you to an HSI reading group this summer. The goal of this reading group includes:
1. Read Transforming Hispanic-Serving Institutions for Equity and Justice by Dr. Gina Ann García (the book will be provided)
2. Meet at least twice over the summer to discuss the book (mid/end of June and once in August) and engage intentionally with the question about what it means to be an HSI in practice
3. Participate in workshop on “Transforming Hispanic Serving Institutions”
4. Share ideas and create action items that advances equity, justice from a DEI/HSI organizational framework, with an eye towards assessment of the SMC’s progress towards enacting the ‘servingness’ piece of HSI.
Please complete the following Google Form, which includes ways to get the book to you. We do hope you join us!
María Luisa Ruiz and Aeleah Soine
Listening sessions for AVP/SDO April 2023
The Associate Vice President & Senior Diversity Officer (AVP/SDO) search committee is eager to receive input from the St. Mary’s College community on the experiences, knowledge, skills, characteristics, and qualities we should seek in our next AVP/SDO. We encourage students, faculty, staff, and administrators to attend the listening sessions.
Representatives of GA&A will facilitate the listening sessions.
We request that participants make every effort to attend at least one of the sessions listed below:
4/28 12:30-1:15
5/1 12-12:45
5/4 1-1:45
5/5 12-12:45
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85814341102
Before attending, Listening Session participants are encouraged to think about these key questions:
1. What do you want the new AVP/SDO to accomplish in the next one to three and three to five years?
2. What are the most significant opportunities and challenges the new AVP/SDO must address within the first two years and beyond?
3. What personal attributes must the new AVP/SDO have to be a good match with the needs of the University?
4. What professional experiences must the new AVP/SDO have to be a good match with the needs of the College?
5. What do you want to share as Points of Pride related to the work of moving diversity, equity and inclusion forward at the St. Mary’s College?
If you are unable to attend one of the sessions, please provide feedback via the search survey.
https://forms.office.com/r/LpLfKSvgFk
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
SMC Against Racial Discrimination: Campus Protest for Change March 2024
Sent also on behalf of Senior Staff
Dear Saint Mary’s campus community,
Today, March 21, is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, an observance of the United Nations. This day also marks the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, which commemorates Human Rights Day, a public holiday in South Africa, when 69 protestors were killed by open fire while peacefully protesting against anti-Black pass laws in their town in South Africa during the Apartheid era.
In recognition of this significant day, and as we also recognize there is still work to be done to eliminate racism in our society and on our campus, the Black Leadership Coalition has scheduled SMC Against Racial Discrimination: Campus Protest for Change from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn to bring attention to these experiences and conditions.
In solidarity and to help facilitate widespread participation, we would encourage our faculty members to pause their academic classes and other activities so that students have the option to attend. We also encourage department managers and administrators to set aside time this afternoon to allow staff to attend.
Thank you for joining us in standing up for our shared values of inclusion and respect for all persons.
Sincerely,
Brother Thomas Jones, FSC
Interim President
Senior Staff:
Corey Cook, Executive Vice President and Provost
Sandra Kim, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Kevin Browne, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management
Isidro Farias, Vice President for Facilities Services
David Ford, Executive Assistant to the President
Christine Hutchins, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
James Johnson, Chief Information Officer
Mike Matoso, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
María Luisa Ruiz, Interim Senior Diversity Officer
Jim Sciuto, Vice President for Student Life
Frances Sweeney, Vice President for Mission
Incident of hateful vandalism at Library March 2024
Dear Saint Mary’s campus community,
Yesterday, February 29, an individual discovered a swastika carved into a desk on the second floor of the Saint Albert Hall Library on campus. After being discovered, Campus Safety and Facilities Services were immediately dispatched to document and remove the vandalism. Since the act constitutes a hate crime, the hateful vandalism was also reported to the Moraga Police Department.
This hate crime is an attack on our campus community and the Lasallian core values we hold dear. To be very clear: we condemn this toxic act of hate. We recognize that such acts cause harm to not only the targeted individuals or groups, but to our entire community. We stand in solidarity with all our students, faculty, and staff, and any groups whom this egregious act was meant to threaten or diminish.
For those who may need them, please remember that SMC offers professional counselors for our students in Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), and resources for all campus community members such as the Mission & Ministry Center, and the Intercultural Center. Students who are in residence on campus can also receive support from their Resident Directors and Resident Advisors. Faculty and staff may also access support through our Employee Assistance Program.
This recent incident can serve as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the foundational principles of the Saint Mary’s campus community. Thank you for joining us as we condemn an act of hate while reaffirming our respect for all persons and rejection of intolerance, bigotry, or discrimination in any form.
Sincerely,
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D.
Class of 1996
AVP/Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Jim Sciuto, Ed.D.
Class of 2000 & 2022
Vice President for Student Life
If you see someone engaging in acts that are offensive, that damage property, or could harm others, please report to Campus Safety at 925-631-4282. If you wish to remain anonymous, download the Gael Safe app and report to Campus Safety through the App. Incidents of bias can also be reported to our Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT). BIRT’s primary role is to respond to bias incidents and hate crimes as well as recommend preventative education. BIRT can provide resources as well as options for moving forward with a complaint.
Important Message: Values of our Campus Community Oct. 2023
Dear Saint Mary’s Students,
As a close-knit community, Saint Mary’s fosters an environment of respect, belonging, and safety through the understanding that each individual action can have an impact - positive or negative - on all of us. We rely on our community members to promote a positive environment with thoughtful decision making, caring about others, and engaging in acts that promote everyone’s well-being and safety.
Examples of the following recent events call upon us to reiterate the importance of our values and expectations as a community:
- The recent repeated removal of posters promoting the Queer Thoughts Collective Hour in the Intercultural Center has caused harm for members of the LGBTQIA community and runs counter to our institutional commitment to create an environment of inclusion in which all members of our community are treated with respect, equity and understanding, and are able to gather together in safe and supportive spaces.
- Racist comments or jokes being made by students towards other students. Actions and/or language that negatively target specific identities or communities cause harm to not only the impacted individuals or groups, but to our entire community and are not tolerated.
- Graffiti, vandalism, and destruction of campus property in residential living spaces. Incidents of vandalism in the residence halls or across campus disrupt our commitment to living and working respectfully in the community, undermine the experience of others, and place an additional burden on campus staff.
As members of a community that has care, inclusion, and social justice at its core, reports of these kinds of behaviors are both concerning and disheartening. All of us are asked to consider the impact of their decisions and actions on our fellow community members, and to speak up when you know information or witness actions that do not align with our community standards, values, and commitments.
Racism is not tolerated on our campus. Homophobia is not tolerated on this campus.
We acknowledge that good work is being done by many campus departments, student-driven organizations, and campus committees to cultivate an inclusive campus community in which all members are valued, seen, and heard. Given the importance of these issues, the Division of Student Life is also working on a series of initiatives that will continue to foster a community that embodies our values of celebrating and respecting one another. Soon, you will receive advertising materials for upcoming programs and listening sessions that will further our conversations around eradicating hateful behavior from our campus community. In November, listening sessions will be scheduled as an opportunity for any student to share their own experience and perspective.
We look forward to sharing more information as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D.
AVP/Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Jim Sciuto, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Life
If you see someone engaging in acts that are offensive, that damage property, or could harm others, please report to Campus Safety at 925-631-4282. If you wish to remain anonymous, download the Gael Safe app and report to Campus Safety through the App. Incidents of bias can also be reported to our Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT). BIRT’s primary role is to respond to bias incidents and hate crimes as well as recommend preventative education. BIRT can provide resources as well as options for moving forward with a complaint.
Our Lady Guadalupe OLG 2024
Saint Mary’s College Community,
One of our time-honored celebrations of community, faith, and culture is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration. This celebration has typically been an “OLG Week” which leads into our Liturgy and BIG Fiesta held on the Friday before Finals week.
We are excited to announce that this will be the 13th year we celebrate La Virgen at Saint Mary’s College. In keeping with our tradition, we will have several events that lead up to our December 6 culminating celebration.
You and your families are invited to join us for all the events listed on the flyer below. We especially would like to invite our entire community to the events on Friday, December 6:
Danza Azteca | 5:30 p.m. | Chapel Plaza
Procession Across Campus | 6 p.m. | Starting on Chapel Plaza
Liturgy | 7 p.m. | SMC Chapel
FIESTA | 8:15 p.m. | Soda Center
Although these events are free for all to attend, we will be recording SMC ID numbers (to help us with data collection) for all staff, faculty, and students. Alums, families, and friends of Saint Mary’s are also welcome to attend (no SMC ID needed).
If you have any questions, please reach out to Eddie Ventura (edv1@stmarys-ca.edu) in the Mission and Ministry Center.
Brown Bag Lunch Movie October
Good Morning, Everyone
ODEI-Library Partnership - "Brown Bag Movie Break"
Good Morning, Everyone
Lunch showing of "Green Book" June 18, 2024
Good Morning, Everyone
SDS Workshop
Happy Friday to you all,
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
AVP/Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Brief Exchanges Short Film + Curated Conversation with the Filmmaker 2024
Greetings Faculty,
In honor of 44 days of Black history, St. Mary’s Black Leadership Coalition in collaboration with KSOE Graduate Counseling Faculty Member Dr. Akilah Reynolds welcomes you to a short film screening of Brief Exchanges and a Curated Conversation with the filmmaker, Ashley Versher (as seen in This is Me…Now, Brief Exchanges, American Auto, Law and Order, Reasonable Doubt). Audience Q&A to follow.
When
Thursday, March 21, 2024
6:00PM -7:30PM
Location
Galileo 201
St. Mary’s College of California
1928 St Marys Rd
Moraga, CA 94575
About the film and event
In "Brief Exchanges," Tanya's encounter with a drunken stranger leads her to Troy on a street corner, where their daylong interaction reveals the microaggressions she faces daily. Through this meet-cute, the film offers insight into the intersectional identities of Black women. Join us for an opportunity to engage in meaningful discourse and celebrate storytelling with filmmaker Ashley Versher.
Doors open at 6PM
Film screening at 6:15PM
Curated conversation with the filmmaker and audience Q&A to follow.
Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP for the event
The event is free. Students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome. Please come with your students! Share widely.
Visit 44 days website.
Accommodations 101- SDS and ODEI GUIDE Tier II Feb 2024
Sent on behalf of Student Disabilities Services (SDS)
All faculty are invited to join SDS to learn more about Disability Services accommodations: How do accommodations work?
What is expected of faculty?
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
AVP/Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
OLG Our Lady Guadalupe 2023
Sent on behalf of the Our Lady of Guadalupe team. These are amazing community events that highlight the care and love of Latinx communities at SMC.
Greetings SMC Faculty and Staff,
My name is Anthony Campos, and I am one of the two Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLG)/Latinx Lasallian Peer Ministers, along with America Lopez, at the Mission and Ministry Center (MMC). The Saint Mary’s tradition of hosting a week-long celebration to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Feast Day has been extended this year to two weeks, and the series of events begins today. I am happy to announce a variety of activities and events for this year’s celebration.
The Mission and Ministry Center continues to partner with students from Professor Anthony Suárez-Abraham's TRS 334 Our Lady of Guadalupe engaged learning class to bring you the OLG events you see in the schedule below. Please see the attached flyer. MMC and TRS are grateful to and for the many collaborators and sponsors listed on the promotional flyer of this year’s celebration!
You are welcome to attend any or all of the events free of charge. But, in particular, I want to personally invite you and your families to our grande finale of the week: the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta on Friday, December 8th—which will be GRAND! The festivities begin at 5:15pm on the Chapel Plaza. This year, the celebration will feature Danza Azteca with the Chapel facade illuminated by Our Lady of Guadalupe. Following the Danza Azteca, the traditional procession through campus will begin at 5:45pm and lead directly to a special Mass in Saint Mary’s Chapel at 7pm (featuring an amazing Mariachi band). The Fiesta will begin shortly after the Mass at approximately 8:15pm in the Soda Center. A buffet dinner catered by the much-loved Salsa Verde restaurant (owned by SMC alum Humberto Lopez), live Banda music, a raffle, performances by Ballet Folklorico Guadalupano, and dancing late into the night are free to all! ALL ARE WELCOME!
Please see the flyer for a full list of this year’s offerings, and find more details throughout the weeks on the OLG Website (HERE). Thank you for helping us spread the word!
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or want to help us in some way!
Que Viva La Virgen de Guadalupe!
Anthony Campos: arc7@stmarys-ca.edu
America Lopez: agl9@stmarys-ca.edu
Mission & Ministry Center OLG/Latinx Lasallian Peer Minister, Student Leaders
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Public Discussion of Tolerance 2023
Sent on behalf of Center of Engaged Religious Pluralism, Fairness for All Initiatives, 1st Amendment Partnership. This event seems particularly timely given what is going on around the world and touching our campus community in different ways:
Dear Faculty and Staff:
We look forward to seeing you this evening in the Soda Activity Center for the "Tolerance Means Dialogue" event, which will feature students who won the essay contest associated with the event and our expert panel.
If you can’t attend in person, you can join us remotely at https://stmarys-ca.zoom.us/s/99390445111?pwd=L2NjNm8xQmNzK1lPdk9pWWpzVXB1dz09
BIPOC Faculty and Staff Fall Social Hour 2023
Presidential Symposium 2023
The Offices of Diversity and Inclusion and Faculty Affairs invites you to participate in The 2023 ACPA-ASHE Presidential Symposium. This symposium titled “Bridging the Divide: Addressing the Political Landscape of DEI Work and Scholarship in Higher Education”, provides attendees with the opportunity to learn about the short-term and long-term implications of the current political climate, examples of professional and personal resilience, and discussions about the potential paths forward related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both practice and scholarship.
It will be held virtually on Friday,Sep 29, 2023 from 1-4 EST (10-1 PST).
We have a limited number of spaces reserved for SMC participants. Please fill out this form to reserve your spot by Friday September 22, by 5 pm. By your submission we assume you will be able to attend the event in its entirety. We will contact participants with log in information once the registration period is complete.
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Reminder, Event: Inclusion in the Classroom April 2023
Join Professor Carrie Mitran in this Zoom session to learn how to support your neurodiverse students. Practical tips you can put into action immediately will be shared.
When: Thursday, April 27th 10-11:15 am
Sign up here
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
ALLIPAS Sunset Circle This Friday 4/14 6-8PM (2023)
A reminder sent on behalf of ALLIPAS:
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Developing Equity Minded Workloads with Dr. Dawn Culpepper 3/23
We invite you to Developing Equity-Minded Workloads with Dr. Dawn Kiyoe Culpepper on Thursday March 23 from 12:30-2pm. Dr. Culpepper's research broadly examines diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations and the academic workplace. They will speak to the campus community about advancing equity in faculty workload. Please attend and make sure your colleagues are aware of this important conversation. Here is the Zoom link to attend.
Many faculty members experience their workloads as unfair, particularly in the area of service. This can lead to lower satisfaction, decreased productivity, longer time to promotion, and departure. At the same time, many academic leaders and departments often avoid tackling the issue of workload reform because they fear "opening a can of worms." In this workshop, Dawn Culpepper, PhD, will discuss why academic units should address service workload inequities and provide an overview of how departments can put in place policies and practices shown to enhance equity in the way service and other aspects of faculty work are taken up, assigned, and rewarded. Dawn draws from extensive research and practical experience, including work on faculty workload funded by the National Science Foundation and consultations with colleges and universities across the country on their school and unit-level workload policies.
About Dawn: Dawn Culpepper (PhD, University of Maryland College Park) is a research assistant professor and Associate Director of the ADVANCE Program for Inclusive Excellence at the University of Maryland. Her research examines equity, diversity, and inclusion in the academic workplace, with an emphasis on identifying strategies and disrupting practices that limit full participation for faculty members from historically marginalized groups and has been funded by NSF-ADVANCE, NSF-AGEP, and NSF-INCLUDES. At UMD, Dawn leads faculty development programs, education and training initiatives, and research related to creating a more diverse and inclusive academic workplace.
The development of a workload policy comes from a place of wanting to account for all of the amazing ways our faculty serve the community and to have respect for their time. An equitable workload policy reflects our Lasallian, Liberal Arts, and Catholic values. The purpose of the Workload Policy Taskforce is to intentionally develop equitable policies and procedures that:
- are transparent,
- express clear standards through which faculty responsibilities and expectations are measured, assessed, and rewarded,
- that support faculty in their professional development toward an equitable, inclusive, and innovative institution
- that honor faculty sovereignty and shared governance
The taskforce membership is as follows:
Alice Baldridge, Senate Vice Chair, Co-Chair
María Luisa Ruiz, Senior Diversity Officer, Co-Chair
Ron Ahnen, Faculty Welfare Committee Chair
Roy Wensley, SoS Dean
Jennifer Heung, VP Faculty Affairs
Marshall Perry, VP Graduates
Michael Viola, Director Faculty Development
Laura Alvarez, Faculty, KSOE
Kim Clark, Faculty, SEBA
Andrew Mount, Faculty, SOLA
Jennifer Kulbeck, Assistant Provost and Director of Academic Operations
Faculty/GUIDE Tier 2 Training on Working with Neurodiverse Students 2022
**Sent on behalf of Julie Scaff, Director of Disabilities Services, and Maria Luisa Ruiz & James Johnson, co-SDOs**
Thursday, December 8 10am-11:30am Zoom/Online (The session will also be recorded)
Join our webinar with Dr. Carrie Mitran, an educator, clinician, and advocate featuring a presentation, discussion, and audience Q&A. This interactive session will focus on practical strategies for helping faculty support their students in the classroom who are neurodiverse, which includes students on the autism spectrum, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia among others.
Register for the workshop here to receive the zoom link for the session.
Note: This is a Guide 2 Workshop. For further information about GUIDE, visit the Inclusive Excellence webpage or reach out to Maria Luisa Ruiz/James Johnson, co-SDO's at dei@stmarys-ca.edu.
Dr. Carrie Mitran is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, National Board Certified Counselor, Certified Autism Specialist, published author, and Lecture Faculty at Saint Mary's College of California, San Francisco State University, and California Institute of Integral Studies. Her area of expertise is working with neurodiverse couples. Dr. Mitran's research focuses on reducing harm in therapeutic settings and understanding differences in communication patterns. Additionally, she leads conversations on how to support neurodiverse individuals inclusively in various environments and is passionate about helping individuals find their voice.
LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2022
The Asian Pacific Islander Resource Group (APIRG), co-chaired by Dr. Loan Dao and Dr. Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht, invites you to celebrate the first annual Lunar New Year Festival at Saint Mary's College on Wednesday, February 16, from 12-2:30pm in the Ferroggiaro Quad.
Starting at 12pm, Sodexo will have an Asian-themed BBQ, and we will have paper cutting, calligraphy, and red envelope interactive stations.
From 1-2:30pm (Community TIme), we will have the following performances and activities:
- Lion Dance from Toishan Benevolent Association in the East Bay
- Calligraphy from Master Zejie Zheng
- Paper cutting demonstration (at station) from artist Carrie Yuhong Fu
- Flash Mob by Professor Jia Wu and students
- Educational Visuals by St. Albert Hall Library
Thank you to our co-sponsors: Sodexo, CCIE, Office of Student Life, Academic Affairs, St. Albert Hall Library, and APA Student Association (APASA)
MLK Day 2025
In 1968, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. traveled to Memphis, TN to prepare for a march in support of striking sanitation workers. He was moved by the deaths of two garbage collectors killed by a malfunctioning garbage truck, Echol Cole and Robert Walker on February 1, 1968. The strike was a call to end discrimination and for improved safety standards and as they marched, they held signs that read, “I AM A MAN.”
Sadly, King was assassinated on April 4th, 1968. Four days later Democratic Michigan Congressman John Conyers, with support from Coretta Scott King, introduced federal legislation to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It would take fifteen years to finally get it passed through Congress after the collective work of Coretta Scott King, the Congressional Black Caucus and the tremendous popularity of a song by Stevie Wonder on his 1980 album “Hotter than July,” which served as a rallying cry. The song was called “Happy Birthday.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDJfF6A4KP0
Their work secured a petition of 60 million signatures that ultimately pressured Congress to pass it, and President Ronald Reagan signed it into law on October 20, 1983.
As we engage in service and/or reflection on this day we can remember the life journey of MLK which has served as an inspiration for young people throughout the world. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was just 15 years old when he began his college years at Morehouse, a historically Black college for young men, earning a degree in sociology in 1948. After Morehouse, King decided to attend Crozer Theological Seminary, near Chester, Pennsylvania. Crozer had an unorthodox reputation and liberal theological leanings. It is said that at Crozer, King strengthened his commitment to the Christian social gospel, developed his initial interest in Gandhian ideas, was first exposed to pacifism, and developed his ideas about nonviolence as a method of social reform. He graduated in 1951 with honors as class valedictorian. In 1970 the seminary merged with Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, New York. Martin Luther King, Jr. then went to Boston University in search for a multicultural community and a setting for his study of ethics and philosophy. His life is a remarkable testimony to the power of the Humanities and a Liberal Arts education.
In 1955, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. married Coretta Scott King, became the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama and earned his doctorate from Boston University in systematic theology. He was 25 years old. He was chosen as President of the Montgomery Improvement Association and thus his work as a Civil Rights leader began.
In a speech given February 4, 1968, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA King stated,
“If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long. And every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize – that isn’t important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards – that’s not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school. I’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I’d like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.”
In peace and solidarity,
Dr. Terri R. Jett
Associate Vice-President and Senior Diversity Officer
Juneteenth, Pride and Happy Father's Day 2024
Hello Everyone,
Honoring Juneteenth 2024
Sent on behalf of Dr. Terri Jett, Associate Vice President/Senior Diversity Officer
“That the formerly enslaved did not take up Lincoln’s offer to abandon these lands is an astounding testament to their belief in this nation’s founding ideals.” – Nikole Hannah-Jones, The 1619 Project
Dear Saint Mary’s campus community,
This Wednesday, Saint Mary’s will join the nation in honoring and recognizing Juneteenth, a national holiday that acknowledges the significance of June 19, 1865. On that day, General Gordon Granger arrived with Union troops in Galveston, Texas to read an order from President Abraham Lincoln notifying enslaved Black people that they were free.
This was, in fact, an order that had been given by President Lincoln two years earlier. Although the message was delayed in reaching Galveston, we now know that the plantation owners were aware of the order before 1865. They simply prioritized getting in one more good harvest over the freedom of the enslaved.
How History Is Told
Steeped in the liberal arts tradition, Saint Mary’s focus on social justice requires an institution of Lasallian Catholic roots to consider how history is told and the lens through which we reflect upon and learn those lessons.
For example, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, but according to Nikole Hannah-Jones in her book The 1619 Project, President Lincoln issued a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation during his Second Annual Message in December 1862 that advocated for the “colonization” of Black Americans. If successfully implemented, this would have relocated formerly enslaved people to a reservation outside of the United States, so Hannah-Jones argues that Lincoln himself was not an advocate for the full citizenship of Black people.
Fortunately, the colonization project did not appear in the final Emancipation Proclamation, and Lincoln’s secretary, John Hay, wrote in his diary that Lincoln had “sloughed off” the idea of colonization. Historians still debate the meaning of this passage, however, and Lincoln is not known to have ever repudiated colonization outright.
What is not disputed is that thousands of Black men and women contributed significantly to the Union war efforts, ultimately leading to the defeat of the Confederacy and the end of the Civil War. Irrespective of Lincoln’s actual role, there can be no doubt that Black Americans worked towards their own emancipation, spilling their own blood and sacrificing their own lives.
Remembering the Past
Those of us from Black families who relocated to California from Texas and Louisiana are part of the 6 million Black individuals who migrated from the south between 1910 and 1970 under duress during “The Great Migration.” For decades, we have honored Juneteenth, commemorating the struggle for freedom and grappling with the true extent of our liberation. Yet, we must ask ourselves: How free are we, really?
President Biden declared Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021 amidst ongoing political tensions and strife, fueled by events like the public killings of George Floyd Jr., Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery in 2020. This recognition also stems from collective experiences of Black Americans, including their resilience during the Reconstruction era—marked by a surge of lynching and disregard for the rule of law—as well as Jim and Jane Crow segregation, the imperative of the Great Migration, and the struggles of the Civil Rights, Voting Rights, and Black Power movements, and the present-day Black Lives Matter movement. The Emmett Till Antilynching Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022, further underscores the ongoing efforts to address racial injustices.
Please join me tomorrow, June 18, at 11:30 a.m. for a lunch-time showing of Green Book in the SMC Library. Inspired by a true story, the film tells the story of a tour through the Deep South in 1962 by pianist Don Shirley—played by SMC alum Mahershala Ali ’96. Bring your lunch, watch the film, relax, and engage in a discussion about the film and the plight of Black Americans from the Civil War onward.
Sincerely,
Dr. Terri Jett
Associate Vice President/Senior Diversity Officer
Additional information on Juneteenth from the Smithsonian African American History Museum.
Information on two Bay Area Juneteenth Celebrations:
Richmond | https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4665/Richmond-Juneteenth-Festival (Saint Mary’s will have a table there, so be sure to stop by and say hello.)
Oakland | https://www.hellajuneteenth.com/
Understanding and supporting our Muslim community during the holy month of Ramadan March 2024
Dear Saint Mary’s College community,
At sunset on March 10, Muslims across the United States and around the globe commenced fasting from dawn to sunset, marking the beginning of Ramadan. We write today to emphasize the importance of understanding and supporting our Muslim community members during this significant time.
This sacred month, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, invites individuals to reflect on their faith through acts of fasting, prayer, and spiritual devotion. Ramadan is a time of introspection, self-discipline, and communal solidarity, underscoring the values of compassion, empathy, and charity.
During this time, many of our Muslim students, faculty, and staff may abstain from eating from dawn until sunset. This practice of fasting is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, symbolizing obedience, self-restraint, and gratitude.
It's important to recognize that each individual's experience during Ramadan may differ. We encourage groups and friends to engage in open dialogue to discuss how this observance may impact participation and energy levels. Additionally, providing a quiet space and allowing short breaks for prayer can greatly support those observing Ramadan.
Furthermore, as Eid al-Fitr approaches on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, we remind everyone to extend understanding and flexibility to our Muslim community. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of celebration after a month of fasting.
Good Eating has offered to provide food for students before and after the fasting period. Students may use their meal plans or buy food in Cafe Louis until 9 p.m. on weekdays. Late Night in Oliver Hall starts at 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students can request breakfast bags the night before to have in their rooms in the early morning. For more information, please contact Mike Lee at the Good Eating Company.
As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, we want to acknowledge the challenging context in which this year's observance unfolds. The current conflict in Gaza casts a somber shadow over this sacred time for Muslims around the world. We cannot ignore the impact of geopolitical events on the lives of our Muslim brothers and sisters, especially during a period of spiritual reflection and devotion.
Amidst these challenging circumstances, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a community of empathy, inclusion, and respect. As we extend accommodations and support to our Muslim community during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, let us also hold space for conversations and reflections on the broader social and political contexts that shape our world.
As a Lasallian Catholic institution grounded in the liberal arts tradition, we embrace the diversity of beliefs and practices within our community. Ramadan serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our faith traditions and the shared values of compassion, service, and social justice. Let us use this opportunity to deepen our understanding, foster inclusivity, and strengthen the bonds of empathy and respect that unite us as a community. Let us embody the spirit of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity as we support our Muslim community members during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Together, let us create an environment where all feel valued, respected, and celebrated.
Sincerely,
Brother Thomas Jones, FSC
Interim President
María Luisa Ruiz, PhD
AVP/Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
44 Days of Honoring Black History & Culture 2024
Sent on behalf of the Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
As the Senior Diversity Officer (interim) at Saint Mary's College of California, I am excited to announce the launch of our Seventh Annual 44 Days of Honoring Black History and Culture. This event is a testament to the transformative leadership of our students, staff, and faculty who have diligently orchestrated a powerful lineup of speakers, programs, and events. These initiatives powerfully highlight the significant role of Black history and culture in shaping not only our nation's narrative but also the evolving story of Saint Mary's College itself.
Hosted by the Black Leadership Coalition (BLC) in collaboration with numerous campus and community partners, '44 Days' aims to educate, inspire, and celebrate the diverse contributions of Black individuals in our community. Through a series of talks, workshops, and events, we look forward to sharing these experiences with you and honoring the enduring legacy of Black history and culture. I encourage everyone at Saint Mary’s to take part in the planning, programming, celebrations, and educational events. By participating in these activities, individuals can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment on campus. Furthermore, let's emphasize the importance of ongoing learning and reflection, encouraging individuals to challenge their own assumptions and broaden their perspectives through meaningful dialogue and critical inquiry.
Let us remember that 44 Days and Black History Month were born out of protest and resistance. The legacy of Black History Month began on college campuses, driven by students' efforts to embrace Black power and celebrate Black identity. This history of activism has been alive and well at Saint Mary’s, most recently with the “List of 20 Demands for Campus-wide Racial Justice.” Organizations like BLC exemplify the multifaceted nature of Black identity and play a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community in support of our students.
44 Days allows us to reaffirm our commitment to inclusive excellence, rooted in our College’s traditions. This commitment involves creating a culture where we are open to new ideas, learn from diverse perspectives, and reflect critically upon our own experiences. This kind of engaged learning, critical reflection, and meaningful dialogue can help us challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives, and honor Black history and culture. Together, let us embody the spirit of inclusive excellence as we engage deeply, listen attentively, and learn from one another while honoring the rich contributions of the Black community to our shared human story.
Stay tuned for upcoming event announcements for what promises to be an enriching and transformative series. Let's celebrate the diversity, strength, and achievements of the Black community at Saint Mary’s, not just for 44 days, but every day.
Lastly, I express gratitude to the Black Leadership Coalition (BLC) and other campus and community partners for their dedication and commitment to organizing these events. Their efforts exemplify the collaborative spirit and collective responsibility necessary for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Saint Mary's community.
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
AVP/Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Lunar New Year 2024
Sent on behalf of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dear Saint Mary’s community,
As tomorrow, February 10, marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle, please join me in welcoming the Lunar New Year 2024! Taking place during the first new moon on the lunar calendar, it’s an event celebrated with great joy and significance across many Asian cultures.
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, Tet in Vietnamese culture, and Seollal in Korean culture, holds deep historical and cultural importance. This year, we enter the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing strength, power, and good fortune.
It's important to recognize that Lunar New Year is celebrated diversely across Asian American communities, each with its unique traditions and customs. Here are three examples of how this auspicious occasion is observed:
· Family Reunions and Feasting: Many families come together for lavish feasts featuring symbolic dishes like dumplings, fish, and longevity noodles, symbolizing prosperity and longevity.
· Red Envelopes (Hongbao, Lì Xì, Sebaetdon): Red envelopes, filled with money, are given to children and unmarried individuals as tokens of good luck and blessings for the new year.
· Dragon and Lion Dances: Colorful dragon and lion dances are performed in streets and communities, accompanied by loud drums and cymbals, to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity.
The Bay Area is home to several of the largest and best-known celebratory events, a few of which I’ve listed below. You can also learn more about the history and traditions of Lunar New Year at APASA’s general body meeting on February 13. Additionally, Good Eating Company will be hosting API inspired meals during lunch on Thursday, February 15th in Oliver Hall.
Year of the Dragon Waterfront Celebration (Feb. 10, 1–3 p.m.)
2024 Lunar New Year Parade ( Feb. 18, 11 a.m.)
23rd Annual Lunar New Year at OMCA: Year of the Dragon (Feb. 17, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Gardens of Golden Gate Park - Lunar New Year Celebration (Feb. 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Let us embrace the spirit of unity and celebration as we embark on this new lunar year together. Thanks to all who helped collaborate on this message and wishing you all happiness, health, and success in the Year of the Dragon!
Warmly,
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
AVP/Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Acknowledgement of Jewish High Holy Days 2023
The Center for Engaged Religious Pluralism, the Mission and Ministry Center, CIRCLE (the Committee for Interfaith and Religious Cooperation, Learning, and Engagement) and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion acknowledge and lift up for the College community the rich religious diversity with which we are blessed by remembering our Jewish faculty, staff, and students during their High Holy Days this month.
Friday, September 15 at sundown marks the start of the Jewish holy day Rosh HaShanah, which opens the Jewish New Year 5784. The tradition remembers humanity’s special relationship with God, our Creator. Rosh HaShanah is celebrated as the first of the HIgh Holy Days. It begins a 10-day period of atonement, ending with Yom Kippur,, the Day of Atonement, at sunset Monday, September 25.
It is customary to acknowledge the holiday with an appropriate greeting:
On Rosh HaShanah, say “Happy New Year” (or “Shanah tovah”).
On Yom Kippur it is appropriate to say “Have an easy fast.”
During these days, the holiest in the Jewish calendar, please be mindful of the needs of your Jewish students and colleagues. The days are for reflection, connection and community. Some people retreat into prayer and contemplation and may attend services.
Jewish students may require accommodations, including being absent from class, during this period for religious observance. Some may choose to attend class for presentations and exams so as not to miss out or fall behind. As possible, please be thoughtful and inclusive. Not all Jewish students choose to identify themselves publicly.
As always, when scheduling tests, deadlines, events or activities, it is vital that we reasonably accommodate all faculty, staff and students for observation of their religious holy days.
One way the campus is recognizing this holy day is the Mission and Ministry Center’s Interfaith & Religious Diversity team annual Rosh HaShanah celebration. Here is their announcement, inviting everyone:
The MMC Interfaith & Religious Diversity team is hosting its 3rd annual Rosh HaShanah celebration in the MMC Fountain Courtyard (likely moved from the MMC lounge because we think we'll need more space). We would like to extend an invitation to you, in case you would like to attend, and also please feel free to pass along the invitation to any of your students who might be interested.
Here is the link to the MySMC calendar page (which includes a link to RSVP), and the flyer is below. The team is planning on giving it an interfaith touch by celebrating the traditions of Rosh HaShanah, but also inviting all attendees to share about their own New Year traditions.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you!
Carrie, on behalf of the MMC Interfaith & Religious Diversity Team (Annie, Oak, Jazmine, Sam, and Anthony)
ALLIPAS Heritage Month Event 2023
Sent on behalf of ALLIPAS:
The Afro-Latinx, Latinx, Indigenous Peoples Subcommittee (ALLIPAS) of the CCIE will be hosting a workshop in honor of Latine/x Heritage month to take place on Wednesday October 11th at 6:30PM in the Moraga Room, SODA Center.
In our ongoing efforts to fight against anti-idengenity and anti-Blackness, and honoring Indigenous People’s Day, we are being joined by Noxtin Nomecayotzin for an art and movement workshop. Call on your ancestors with creative indigenous art practices, and (re)connect with your roots while learning danza azteca!
Please come with your students! The event is free and also open to community members.
RSVP here: https://forms.gle/voDgfsvYQhTdogpw7
Warmly,
Rebecca Anguiano & Gaby Bermudez (co-chairs)
44 Days celebration, "We're Making Joyful Noise" 2023
Hello,
María Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D. [she/her(s); yo,ella(s)]
Senior Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies (SaLAS)
Welcome to the 5th Annual 44 Days: Honoring Black History Month 2022
Dear Saint Mary's Community,
We are honored and excited to announce the 5th Annual 44 Days: Honoring Black History at Saint Mary's College. For the past two years, we have lived with uncertainty and a global pandemic that touched each of our lives. In 2021, we were inundated with news about racial hate, climate catastrophes, economic hardship, and violent crimes across the country. But now, we enter 2022 with a renewed spirit of hope, optimism, and the will to persevere. President Barack Obama once said,
"Hope is not blind optimism. It's not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. It's not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it, and to work for it, and to fight for it. Hope is the belief that destiny will not be written for us, but by us, by the men and women who are not content to settle for the world as it is, who have the courage to remake the world as it should be."
Since its inaugural year in 2018, the "44 Days" celebration has hosted dynamic speakers and signature programming that has addressed the vibrancy and complexity of the African Diaspora. This year's theme is "Power, Pride, and Purpose: How to find and use our power." It is vital that we recognize our individual and collective power to shift narratives about our history, highlight our pride through collective struggles and courage, and demonstrate our sustained purpose for building community and celebrating successes. We stand in our power, pride, and purpose as we gain our footing in a time of uncertainty, making Black visible and revered, capturing the very essence of who we are as a people.
In collaboration with the Black Student Union, programming for this year's Power, Pride, and Purpose: How to find and use our power will include the 5th Annual Black Student Convocation on Saturday, February 12. We will kick-off 44 Days with an opening event on Wednesday, February 9. The event welcomes the community back to campus and starts the celebration of Black History Month. It continues with a host of events capturing our theme.
The Black Student Union is honored to welcome Bryant Terry, a Bay Area local chef, author, and food justice advocate, as the 44 Days keynote speaker on Saturday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m. Chef Terry is the recipient of the James Beard Foundation Leadership Award and the NAACP Image Award, known for his activism to create a healthy, just, and sustainable food system. Chef Terry is passionate about educating his audience on the intersection of food, community, culture, and health. His latest book, "Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora," is a heartfelt tribute to the Black culinary ingenuity. Join us for this moving experience of food and community.
Programming for this year's 44 Days celebrating Black History is as diverse as it is timely. Along with the appearance of Bryant Terry, we'll share a series on black mental health, a weekly book club on the award-winning author Nikole Hannah-Jones' 1619 Project, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gaels 1972 Basketball Walkout and Chapel Fast. Our programming creates safe spaces for Black students by focusing on personal development and providing community space for all Saint Mary's community members by deepening a collective understanding of Black experiences. There is something for everyone!
Let's come together to remember that Black history is not only about one moment of the year but about celebrating and highlighting our power, pride, and purpose all year long.
With gratitude, optimism, and hope,
Black Lives Matter Co-Chairs:
Dr. Robin J. Dunn, Faculty and Co-chair
Laure L. Bowman, Staff Co-chair
Courtney Gordon, Staff Co-chair
Collin Fisher, Student Co-chair