Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center
Cultural Heritage Month Programming
The University of Dayton and the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center is committed to recognizing the histories, cultures, experiences, and contributions of diverse populations. Through cultural programming, MEC supports the University of Dayton’s academic mission by providing educational opportunities that assist students in exploring new experiences while also enhancing their understanding of their cultural identity. In collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and the Dayton community, MEC seeks to provide thought-provoking co-curricular programming that supports the personal development of all students, while also influencing the campus climate.
Educate, Empower, Engage
Individuals that participate in Cultural Heritage Month programming will:
- learn new knowledge about their culture or a culture different than their own.
- be exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences that will affirm their cultural identity.
- be exposed to experiences that complement the academic mission of the University.
Programming Schedules
2023 Events
September 15th: Latinx Hangout at the Hangar | KU Hangar
Celebrate the start of Latinx Heritage Month by building community in the Hangar. Free pool, bowling, and more. Sponsored by El Orgullo Latino, Alpha Psi Lambda, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, & Gamma Phi Omega.
5:00pm - 7:00pm
September 16th: PACO 21st Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival & Parade | Riverscape MetroPark
Faculty, Staff, and Students are invited to participate in the parade to represent both UD and their cultures and countries. There will be events all day celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
11:00am - 11:00pm
September 19th: Arts & Crafts: Papel Picados | Alumni Hall 016
Build fellowship and learn how to make Papel Picados with University Ministry. Sponsored by University Ministry.
4:00pm - 6:00pm
September 19th: Make your own churros! | 223 K St.
Join Alpha Psi Lamda as you learn how to make your own churros and hear about the tasty treat's history. Enjoy a sweet Latinx snack while building community. Sponsored by Alpha Psi Lambda
7:00pm - 8:00pm
September 20th: Latinx Trivia | KU 222
Do you know your trivia? Test your knowledge with some Latinx Trivia. Sponsored by Alpha Psi Lambda and El Orgullo Latino.
7:00pm - 8:00pm
September 21st: Latinx MEC Day Lunch | Alumni Hall 1st Floor
Enjoy Latinx cuisine from Taqueria Mixteca as part of the MEC's Latinx Heritage Month.
11:30am - 1:30pm | While supplies last.
September 21st: Salud Mental | KU 211
Come learn about mental health in the Latinx community. Sponsored by Diversity Peer Educators and Co-Pilots.
6pm - 7pm
September 24th: Spanish Mass / Misa en Español | Marianist Hall
Campus Ministry will be having mass in Spanish on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Mass will be 4:00 PM and it will be celebrated at the Chapel located in Marianist Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. We will have food afterwards.
Campus Ministry invita a todas las personas a asistir a la misa en español que tendremos el domingo 24 de septiembre a las 4:00 PM en la capilla de Marianist Hall. Tendremos comida y convivencia despues de misa.
4:00pm Mass | Dinner and Fellowship in MEC Family Room immediately after.
September 25th: David Romero, Latinx Spoken Word Artist | Humanities Plaza
David A. Romero is a Mexican-American spoken word artist from Diamond Bar, CA. Romero is the author of My Name Is Romero (FlowerSong Press), a book reviewed by Gustavo Arellano (¡Ask a Mexican!), Curtis Marez (University Babylon), and founding member of Ozomatli, Ulises Bella. Romero has received honorariums from nearly a hundred colleges and universities in thirty-four different states in the USA and has performed live in Mexico, Italy, and France. Romero's work has been published in literary magazines in the United States, Mexico, England, Scotland, and Canada. Romero has opened for Latin Grammy winning bands Ozomatli and La Santa Cecilia. Romero's work has been published in anthologies alongside poets laureate Joy Harjo, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Luis J. Rodriguez, Jack Hirschman, and Tongo Eisen-Martin. Romero has won the Uptown Slam at the historic Green Mill in Chicago; the birthplace of slam poetry. Romero's poetry deals with family, identity, social justice issues, and Latinx culture.
7:00pm - 8:00pm
September 25th: David Romero, Poetry Workshop | MEC Family Room
Following his performance, David Romero will present a poetry workshop for aspiring writers.
8:00pm - 9:00pm
September 26th: Arts & Crafts: Cempasuchil (Paper Flowers) | 223 K St.
Build fellowship and learn how to make Papel Picados with University Ministry. Sponsored by University Ministry and Alpha Psi Lambda.
4:00pm - 5:30pm
September 26th: Panel: The Ignorance of Being Ignorant | KU 310
Join a panel discussion focusing on the effects of silence and choosing to be ignorant. Sponsored by El Orgullo Latino.
6:00pm - 7:00pm
September 27th: Culture Fest | KU Mall
Culture Fest is an annual event attracting over 2,700 students, faculty and staff that come together to celebrate the rich cultural diversity reflective of the University of Dayton's campus. Culture Fest is a campus-wide collaborative initiative that showcases music, dance, spoken-word and diverse culinary traditions.
4:30pm - 7:00pm
September 28th: SHPE Game Night | MEC Family Room
Challenge other students to dominos or learn how to play lotería! Sponsored by Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
6:00pm - 8:00pm
September 30th: Family Weekend Carne Asada Potluck | 403 Stonemill Rd.
Enjoy some food and community at the EOL House during Family Weekend. Sponsored by El Orgullo Latino, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Alpha Psi Lambda, and Gamma Phi Omega.
12:00pm - 2:00pm
October 3rd: Arts & Crafts - Calaveritas (Sugar Skulls) | Liberty Hall 08
Students will learn how to make sugar skulls while understanding the history and meaning behind the items. Sponsored by University Ministry and El Orgullo Latino.
4:00pm - 5:30pm
October 10th: Arts & Crafts: Aguas Frescas | Adele McGinnis
Join students in learning how to make aguas frescas and understand its significance. Sponsored by University Ministry and El Orgullo Latino.
4:00pm - 5:00pm
October 10th: Salsa Under the Stars | Humanities Plaza
Students will learn to dance salsa and other traditional Latin American dances like merengue, bachata, rumba, etc with Dayt0n1Salsa. Snacks provided prior.
5:30pm - 8:30pm
October 11th/12th: Vejigantes Mask-Making | Art Street
Understand the historical significance of these masks in Puerto Rico, starting with the frames then come back to decorate them the next day. Sponsored by Student Government Association, Multicultural Programming Committee, and University Ministry.
6:00pm
2023 Events
Thursday, November 2: Native American Heritage Month Kickoff: Mike Trombley, NativeAudio
NativeAudio is a Native-owned effect pedal company founded by Mike Trombley, an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation with over a decade of engineering experience. NativeAudio is committed to keeping Native American culture alive while also inspiring musicians to connect with their art in a more meaningful and creative way.
12:30 P.m. – 1:30 p.m. ADELE MCGINNIS
NPAC 2023: Indigenous Miami Valley
Main sessions, Nov. 6
The 2023 Native Peoples of the Americas Colloquium is focusing on the "Indigenous Miami Valley" as a geographic, cultural and political space for Native peoples. While many tribes experienced removal from these lands, their connection to them was not extinguished by settler encroachment and enforcement, and the speakers we are hosting will discuss how Indigenous people resist erasure and advance cultural continuance in their communities. Full a full list of sessions and more information, visit go.udayton.edu/NPAC.
Opening Blessing
10:10-11 a.m., Green space outside of Humanities Center
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami (Ohio) University: Partners in Learning
12:30-2 p.m., Kennedy Union East Ballroom
Speakers: Daryl Baldwin and Kara Strass
The Miami Tribe and Miami (Ohio) University have built a reciprocal relationship that spans more than 50 years. We will discuss the evolution of this relationship, the outcomes of the partnership including the Myaamia Center and Myaamia Heritage Program, as well as the impact on Myaamia language and cultural revitalization. Must register for event.
Craft Session with Leon Briggs
2:30-3:20 pm, Kennedy Union West Ballroom
We’ll be making a bone eagle feather necklace, which is made from a carved bone feather along with glass and metal beads. The necklace represents vision and direction. Must register for event.
Building Stronger Community: Respecting Land, Tradition and History
5-6:30 p.m., Kennedy Union East Ballroom
Speakers: Guy Jones, Lance Soto and Stephanie Van Hoose
Local Indigenous community members and leaders Guy Jones, Lance Soto, and Stephanie Van Hoose share their past and present work, as well as talking about where their future work is headed. Building a stronger community requires engaging with Native people who have always been here to build a more inclusive future moving forward. Must register for event.
Craft Session with Leon Briggs
7-8:30 p.m., Kennedy Union West Ballroom
We’ll be making an amulet bag, which is intended to be worn and is made of leather and fringed. The option to add beads and charms will also be offered. Must register for event.
Tuesday, November 7: History of Navajo CodeTalkers
NINA will celebrate the life and history of Navajo Codetalkers and their impact during military combat.
12:00 P.M - 1:00 P.M. Virtual at https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MjYwNzY3OTMtNzBlNS00YTQ5LWI1ZTQtODU0NWMzNzY4Y2U1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221d926b6a-bdf4-4b09-9a04-7410a9382da1%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2221d98a1a-b610-4f92-8c27-cd80cbec5d30%22%7d
Thursday, November 9: MEC Day Lunch - Native American Heritage Month
Join the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center in celebrating the cultures of Native communities by dining in fellowship. This lunch is free and open to all students, faculty and staff.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Alumni Hall MEC Family Room. First come First Served.
Wednesday, November 15: NINA Cooking Class: 3 Sisters Stew + Frybread
Supplies will be provided for those in person, those attending virtually will be provided a list of items needed. We will cook three sisters stew and make fry bread. Limited spots available. Please email preza1@udayton.edu to reserve a spot.
6:00 P.m. – 7:30 p.m. Adele mcginnis
Wednesday, November 15: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women
Co-sponsored by Diversity Peer Educators and PAVE, this event is open to all and will discuss the history and happenings of violence against Indigenous women.
7:00 P.m. – 8:00 p.m. LIBRARY COLLAB ROOM
Thursday, November 30: Te Ata Screening + Discussion
Based on the inspiring, true story of Mary "Te Ata" Thompson Fisher, a woman who traversed cultural barriers to become one of the greatest Native American performers of all time.
7:00 P.m. – 9:00 p.m. KU West ballroom
Other opportunities to learn:
Check out the University Libraries' Native American and Indigenous Peoples Resources.
2024 Events
Thursday, February 1: Black History Month MEC Day Lunch: Taste of Soul
Join MEC as we enjoy some soul food in the spirit of fellowship and in celebration of Black History Month. A variety of dishes associated Black culture will be served and catered by Soul Sistahs. This event is free to all UD students, faculty and staff. First-come, first-served.
11:30 A.m. - 1:30 p.m. MEC Family Room, Alumni hall 104
Friday, February 2: Spades Tournament
Do you have what it takes to land on top during our Black History Month Spades tournament. A celebration and staple in Black culture, Spades is a card game that is significant to many families. Find a partner and sign up here to try your luck. Top two teams will receive prizes.
5:30p.m. MEC Family Room, Alumni Hall 104
BATU WEEK 2024
Monday, February 5: Black Professionals in White Spaces: A Discussion
This event features an in-depth discussion surrounding Black professionals in White spaces. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
6:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. KU 312
Tuesday, February 6: Jewelry-Making
This event allows participants to create their own jewelry inspired by Black excellence. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. KU 331
Wednesday, February 7: African-American Folklore
This event features a presentation on the history of African-American folklore followed by a writing workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to reimagine or recreate their own version of folklore via short stories, poems, or paintings. These pieces will be eligible for submission to the BATU Ball Gallery.
Thursday, February 8: BATU Film Festival
Discover Black culture in a series of films present by BATU.
6:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. KU 331
Saturday, February 10: BATU's Black Excellence Ball
The Black Excellence Ball is returning as a culmination to BATU Week and a highlight of Black History Month festivities. There will be a brief recognition ceremony, great music, a photo booth and a Black Excellence Gallery. Tickets will go on sale on 1850.
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Kennedy union Ballroom
Monday, February 12: MEC Lunch and Learn - Building Your Network (Supporting Black-Identifying Women)
Fifth Third Bank would like to collaborate with the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center to hold a safe space to discuss professionalism, networking and the nuances of the professional world for multi-ethnic students. The Lunch & Learn sessions will be a series of programs where students are able to gain more insight and ask pertinent questions related to the workforce. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. MEC CONFERENCE ROOM 116
Thursday, February 15: Celebrating Black Excellence: An MPC Event
Join MEC and Multicultual Programming as we celebrate Black excellence through community-building, presentations, and more.
6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. KENNEDY UNION 211
Friday, February 16: Black Hair is Important: Its Importance and Impact through Time
Join Diversity Peer Educators in a discussion of Black hair. This event is PATH-eligible.
5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. ROESCH LIBRARY - THE COLLAB
Tuesday, February 20: Queer Renaissance: A Black History Month Event
“Straight past, queer future”
As we celebrate Black History Month, we don’t always hear about it from a queer lens. Queer folx have made significant contributions to academics, business, fashion, art, government, and so many other spaces. Join us for an interactive history lesson that highlights the often neglected influence of QPOC, specifically Black folx, on culture and society. Is there a QPOC who has made a contribution you want us to include? Add their name here!
8:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. ARTSTREET STUDIO B
Thursday, February 22: MEC Lunch and Learn - The Digital Universe: Social Media Etiquette & Awareness (Supporting Black-Identifying Women)
Fifth Third Bank would like to collaborate with the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center to hold a safe space to discuss professionalism, networking and the nuances of the professional world for multi-ethnic students. The Lunch & Learn sessions will be a series of programs where students are able to gain more insight and ask pertinent questions related to the workforce. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. MEC CONFERENCE ROOM 116
6th Annual Maafa Commemoration Week
Monday, February 26: Waist Bead-Making + African Dinner
Join Campus Ministry and the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center for a discussion of Maafa, history and significnce of waist beads and community fellowship.
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. ADELE MCGINNIS
Tuesday, February 27: Kindred Book Club Dinner + Discussion
As part of the Maafa Commemoration Series, students, faculty, and staff have read Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. This event highlights the culmination of the book club and will debrief with a discussion surrounding the book. RSVP Required. Sponsored by the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center.
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ADELE MCGINNIS LOUNGE
Wednesday, February 28: Abiyomi Doll-Making Workshop with MPC
As part of the Maafa Commemoration Series, join the Multicultural Programming Council and the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center in learning about Abayomi dolls and even create one yourself! The Abayomi doll is a symbol of resistance with the word ‘Abayomi’ a term meaning 'precious meeting' in Yoruba. The MAAFA is a Kiswahili term for "terrible occurrence" or "great disaster". It refers to the Black Holocaust when millions of Africans died during the journey of captivity from the west coast of Africa to the shores of America, known as the Middle Passage.
7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. ALUMNI HALL 016
Thursday, February 29: MAAFA Night: "We Will Never Forget"
The MAAFA is a Kiswahili term for "terrible occurrence" or "great disaster". It refers to the Black Holocaust when millions of Africans died during the journey of captivity from the west coast of Africa to the shores of America, known as the Middle Passage. You are invited in an attempt to honor our ancestor who have suffered through the Middle Passage and the lives that continue to be compromised due to racism and oppression. Featuring a drum circle and meditation experience. In collaboration with Campus Ministry and the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center.
7:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M. ALUMNI HALL 016
Maafa at UD
The Inaugural Maafa Commemoration was held on the campus of the University of Dayton in February of 2019.
Black History Month Research Guide
The Roesch Library and The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center invite you to learn more about Black History Month itself as well as stories, contributions, triumphs and struggles of Black Americans. This Research Guide offers a wide variety of topics from the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter; from LGBTQ+ stories to Black artists and authors. The wonderful collection of information is available through several mediums including streaming video, books, and articles. You can find the guide by following this link.
2024 Events
*UD celebrates AAPI Month in April while students are in Spring Session.
Thursday, April 4: Ramadan Iftar
As Ramadan comes to a close, we invite our campus community to join us for this 'Iftar,' or 'breaking of the fast,' observed by Muslims throughout the world and at the University of Dayton. Delicious and culturally relevant food will be served with a light program highlighting Muslim Student Association accomplishments, introduce new executive board members, and guest speakers, Youssef Elzein and Mohammad Mustafa, who will speak on the importance of unity across our local community and beyond. Seats are limited, so registration is mandatory. RSVP here! . Co-Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association, Campus Ministry
7:30pm - 9:30PM KU Ballroom
Friday, April 5, Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7th: Additional Ramadan Iftar Opportunities
Salaam! Alhamdulillah. This Ramadan, the Muslim Student Association is able to provide weekend Iftar for students on campus, courtesy of the Islam Center Centerville. For more information, please email MSA at msa@Udayton.edu.
Maghrib | Message MSA for more information
Sunday, April 7: AAAxEOLxBATU Community Cookout
In collaboration, the Asian American Association, El Orgull Latino, and Black Action Through Unity will host this event to bring the MEC and UD Community together to celebrate the beginning of UD's AAPI Heritage Month. Food and fun will be included!
12:00PM - 3:00pm Artstreet pavilion
Thursday, April 11: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month MEC Day Lunch
Join MEC as we come together in the spirit of fellowship to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month through food, music and education.
11:30am - 1:30pm MEC Family room, Alumni hall 104
Thursday, April 11: EOLxMPCxMSA: Similarities of Spanish and Arab Languages
The Musliam Student Association, Multicultural Programming Council and El Orgullo Latino invite you to discuss the similarities of Spanish and Arab languages. This will be a wonderful opportunity to engage and learn. Cultural food provided.
7:00Pm - 8:30pm MEC Family room, alumni hall 104
Friday, April 12 - Saturday, April 13: AAA/MEC Retreat
Come to AAA's first retreat! This event is a space intended to support those with Asian identities but is open to all UD Students. Sign up here! Registration begins at 3pm with a meal and activities before leaving for Camp Kern in Oregonia, OH at 5pm. Students will return to campus at 4:30pm on Saturday.
Friday 3:00pm - saturday 4:30pm Camp kern
Monday, April 15: Movie Screening + Asian Representation in Media Discussion
MEC will be screening, Everything Everywhere All at Once, followed by a discussion on Asian representation in Media. UD Scholar in Residence and UDDE Director, Kisa Li '15, will be facilitating the discussion.
4:30pm - 7:30p KU 310
Friday, April 19: Asian American Association Formal - AAPI Pride
8:00pm - 10:00pm East ku ballroom
Monday, April 22: MECxMPCxAAAxSASE: Hula Lessons
Join us as we bring Olohana's Polynesian Dance to teach Hula Dance Lessons! Open to all in the UD Community.
6:30pm - 7:30p VWK Main
Asian and Pacific American Heritage Research Guide
The Roesch Library and The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center invite you to learn more about Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month itself as well as stories, contributions, triumphs and struggles of Asian and Pacific Americans. This Research Guide offers a wide variety of topics covering the immense diversity within these communities from critical research to social movements; from LGBTQ+ stories to artists and authors. The wonderful collection of information is available through several mediums including streaming video, books, and articles. You can find the guide by following this link.
Sponsored by the Roesch Library and the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center
MEC Days
MEC Days are opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to share a meal together, in community, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Approximately three to four MEC Days are held each year in conjunction with a holiday, kicking off a cultural heritage month or other special day. MEC Days are instrumental in building community between members of the UD community.