1

FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF

Welcome to the Multicultural Resource Center!
Through the hustle and bustle of midterm season, the start of
spring, and the end of another Binghamton Winter the MRC is
excited to bring to you our March Newsletter. Whether you are
a returning contributor, or a new reader we promise that you will
be pleased to know that this month is filled with new initiatives
and programs, that will offer tons of ways for you to get involved!
This month the MRC will host events for Womens History or as
we like to call it Womens HERstory Month, co-sponsor Culture at
Chenangon and support Global Chef: India with Dining Services
by Sodexo, Co-sponsor International Student Panel with the
Center for Learning and Teaching, initiate more diversity
recruitment events with Undergraduate Admissions such as our
annual Letter Writing Campaign, host new pop-up events across
campus, and continue the launch of the Binghamton University
Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a
leadership development program for cultural student leaders. If
you are interested in taking part connect with Tanyah Barnes at
tbarnes@binghamton.edu.
Our Newsletter aims to be the source of all things currently
happening on our campus, issues relating to our students and
events taking place in the world around us. In order to achieve
this goal we are looking for your input! Share your articles, oped stories, poetry and photography with us. Want to join our
team? Send a message to mrc@binghamton.edu with subject
joining the Culture Connects Team.

Sincerely,
Your Culture Connects Team

Meet the Culture

Connects Team
Samantha Gillette

MRC Program Assistant

Jonathan Alvizuri
Undergraduate Marketing Intern

Wendy Yang
Undergraduate Marketing Intern

Priyanka Das
Undergraduate Marketing Intern

Yeqing Liu

Undergraduate Marketing Intern

Gabrielle Cruz

Undergraduate Marketing Intern

Yikai Zhang

Undergraduate Marketing Intern

Dominique Russell

Undergraduate Marketing Intern

Tanyah Barnes, M.Ed

Advising Editor
For questions, comments,
advertising or submitting content,
contact the team at
mrc@binghamton.edu

About Culture Connects

Culture Connects is a newsletter designed to provide the campus with up-to-date information
about cultural events, programs and opportunities available to Binghamton University Community.
If you would like to receive an electronic copy of the newsletter every month, pleases email
the Culture Connects Team with subject subscribe to mrc@binghamton.edu.
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MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

MRC Upcoming Events

MRC would like you to save the date for the following upcoming events:
Global Chef
Thurs, March 10th, 5-7pm, C4
Fri, March 11th, 11:15am-3:30pm, Chenango
Open House
March 20th, UU Mandela
April 9th, UU Mandela
April 17th, UU Mandela
Diversity Workshops and Cultural
Competency Trainings
Phase 1: Wed, March 9th, 6-9pm, UU Old Union
Phase 2: Tues, April 5th, 6-9pm, TBD
Letter Writing Campaign
Mon, Feb 29th, 4:30-7pm, LSG 549
Tues, March 1st, 6:30-8pm, UU 102
Wed, March 3rd, 1pm-5pm, LSG 549
MRC Culture at Chenango
Tues, March 22nd, 11:30am-3:30pm,
Chenango Room
MRC Diversity Talk Show
Fri, March 4, 1-4pm
Student Leader Meeting
Tues, March 22nd, 7-8pm, UU111
Center for Learning and Teaching International Student Panel
Fri, March 11th, 12-3pm, CLT
Sodexos 10th Annual Health Fair
Tues, March 22nd, 10:30am-1:30pm, East Gym
National Society of Leadership & Success
Orientation: Wed, March 2nd, 5-8pm, UU 120
Training: Sat, March 5th, 11am-2pm, UU 102
March Speaker: Tue, March 15th, 7-8pm, UU 120

Subscribe to the MRC Events

Calender at mrc.binghamton.edu
to stay up-to-date on all MRC Events
throughout the year!
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MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Apply for MRC Internship!
The Multicultural Resource Center is looking for students to
fulfill the following internship positions for fall 2016-spring
2017. All applications (resume and cover letter) must be
emailed to Tanyah Barnes at tbarnes@binghamton.edu by
April 13, 2016. For more information about each position,
visit our website at mrc.binghamton.edu.
MRC Undergraduate Intern General Requirements
Full academic year internship (fall 2016 and spring 2017)
Work 6-8 hours per week throughout the semester.
Attend weekly seminar (2 credit CDCI).
Attend weekly team meeting
MRC Undergraduate Program Assistant Interns
Program Assistant Interns reach out to student groups to
participate in MRC programs, assist with all aspects of event
preparation, and organize and maintain outreach materials.
MRC Undergraduate Marketing Interns
Marketing interns will work on various tasks in graphic
design, social media, photography, and content
management/web design. They will work on the monthly
MRC newsletter, our website, weekly emails, and more.
MRC Graduate Intern General Requirements
Full academic year internship (fall 2016 and spring 2017)
Work 12-15 hours per week throughout the semester.
Attend weekly seminar and team meeting
Will receive up to 3 internship credits per semester.
MRC Graduate Intern for Cultural Outreach,
Programming and Office Management
The graduate interns assist the MRC Assistant Director
in acting as a liaison for different cultural student
population, assisting in community building and identity
development, and offering educational opportunities for
the Binghamton University campus on cultural community
issues and concerns. Also assists in organizing and training
undergraduate interns and volunteers, managing the
assessments of all MRC Programs, and overseeing the
scheduling of MRC meetings and events. This position reports
directly to the MRC Assistant Director.

Culture Connects
Grant Recipients
We Speak BU
Haitian Student
Association
African Student
Organization
Viatnamese Student
Association
Kurdish Student Council
For more information
go to:
http://www.
binghamton.edu/
multicultural-resourcecenter/programs/
grants-funding.html

MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

MRC Graduate Intern for Marketing
Marketing intern will assist ODEI diversity fellow with supervision of undergraduate marketing
interns. Graduate interns will also work on various tasks in graphic design, social media,
photography, and content management/web design. They will work on the monthly MRC
newsletter, our website, weekly emails, and more.
MRC Culture Connectors
Hours: Maximum 4 hours per week throughout the semester.
MRC Culture Connectors is a volunteer program that is designed to provide students an opportunity
to connect with the diverse cultural community on campus. Volunteers will participate in a wide
variety of activities that allow them to capitalize on their cultural competency and professional
experience.

MRC Fall 2015

Interns and
Volunteers take
a quick group
photo while
decorating
the office for
Homecoming 15

Interested in advertising in the MRC Culture

Connects Newsletter?
Increase your business among Binghamton University students, faculty and staff. The
MRC is home for more than 100 cultural student organizations on campus. With more
than 1,700 students subscribed to our Monthly Newsletter, consider us a great marketing
tool for reaching the university community. Binghamton Universitys student of color and
International student populations are increasing. Make your business more visible among
students.
For more information, please contact the Culture Connects Newsletter Team at mrc@
binghamton.edu or 607-777-4472.
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MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

DO YOU WANT TO BE ON A TV TALK SHOW?

THEN JOIN THE MRCS DIVERSITY TALK SHOW!

The Multicultural Resource Center is looking for students to participate in its new
Diversity Talk Show. The show will be produced by BTV6 and will include several
panelists who will discus various topics during the program. If youre interested
contact Mengchen Huang.

Contact:
MRC Program Coordinator: Mengchen Huang
Email: mhuang@binghamton.edu
Phone Number: 607-777-6071

Interested in advertising in the MRC Culture

Connects Newsletter?
Increase your business among Binghamton University students, faculty and staff. The MRC
is home for more than 100 cultural student organizations on campus. With more than 1,700
students subscribed to our Monthly Newsletter, consider us a great marketing tool for reaching
the university community. Binghamton Universitys student of color and International student
populations are increasing. Make your business more visible among students.
For more information, please contact the Culture Connects Newsletter Team at mrc@
binghamton.edu or 607-777-4472.

CAMPUS BEAUTY

Even you didnt see the sun, you can feel it.
@C4 Photography by Yikai Zhang

2016 is the
year of Monkey
in China. Also
lots of student
organizations
celebrate their
events by
inviting our
outstanding
performer
Stephen K.
Ferry.@ UU
photograph by
Zhongyuan Guo

INTRODUCING NSLS

What is NSLS?
NSLS stands for the National Society of Leadership and Success also known

as Sigma Alpha Pi. The organization is made up of students who have shown
leadership ability and have taken the steps necessary to set them on a path
for success. The NSLS provides a whole host of benefits to its members via
speaker broadcasts, success coaches, and access to exclusive scholarships
and awards.
On February 9, the NSLS Binghamton University chapter had their first
new members orientation. Students learned the steps of the leadership
development program, schedule of events, and mingled amongst their peers
with whom they will be undergoing the induction process with. Activities for
the event helped students to think about their leadership goals and enhance their communication
skills. NSLS also osted its first Speaker Broadast featuring Emmy award winning television newscaster
for ABC news and anchor for Nightline, Juju Chang. The remaining broadcasts are listed below.
The success of the orientation leaves a great mark for the NSLS at Binghamton who has just recently
began a chapter on campus. The society is the nations largest leadership honor society and the
new Binghamton chapter is the latest to join the other 507 already established chapters nationwide,
comprised of 577,705 members. The society uses a step-by-step program during its induction
process to develop leadership skills, provide a way for self-reflection and expose to students its
nationwide network.
The NSLS membership, which is lifelong, provides students with access to a myriad of benefits
ranging from exclusive scholarships, on campus events, and an online job bank. Eligible students
are often nominated by a supervisor, professor or other faculty member. Society membership has
shown a track record for success. Around 89% of society members start careers in fields of their
choice and 83% of those students directly attribute their success to their involvement in the NSLS
program. Having just begun their chapter on the Binghamton University campus and given the
NSLSs impressive track record, we look forward to seeing the extent of their impact on the Bearcat
community.

SAINT PATRICKS DAY

8 Things You Should Know About Parade Day
Oh Parade Day, no matter who you are, the mere mention of the day illicits a reaction.
Most students can not wait for it, faculty loath it, and townies seem to be the only
ones properly celebrating it. Whether or not you can even recall your last parade day
you know it in your liver that this years Parade Day is certain to be a blast. With the
festivities less than a week away, here are 8 things you should know about Parade Day
so that you can feel silly while trying to recall them in the middle of your day-long Irish
binge.

1. There is an actual Parade, Crazy right?

It is all too easy to forget while in a drunken stupor that the lines of people marching
in formation are there for a reason. If you would like to check it out yourself the
parade begins at 1:30 p.m. at Court St. & Fayette.

2. The Parade comes a week early for a reason

The annual St. Patricks day parade is actually the same parade held later in New York
City. This is done to prevent scheduling conflicts for the New York and Pennsylvania
bands that attend. So take a look because these are the pros!
3. The Parade is kind of a big deal
The city of Binghamton has a large Irish- American population. Therefore the parade
is a rather large point of pride for a city full of Irish immigrants. As Binghamton Mayor
Richard David puts it Regardless of what backgrounds and cultures we come from, on
Parade Day and on St. Patricks Day, all Binghamtonians are Irish.

4. The Townies get to enjoy themselves too

While you will probably be crawling along State Street, Binghamtonians have plenty
of options for having a great time with a slew of bars plenty far away from Bearcats,
restaurants that are eager to feed intoxicated clientele, and even a massive afterparty
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SAINT PATRICKS DAY

held annually at a local high school.

5. Kids love parades

While not something exclusive to Binghamtons Parade Day. It is important to

remember that there are plenty of families who are just trying to enjoy the parade
and would appreciate being left relatively alone.
So think of the children, and please mind your
drunken manners

6. There is a Parade Day Mile Run

If you have ever wanted to set

PR while dressed as a drunk leprechaun then
look no farther. Not only do the runners get
lead the parade, there is a $500 first place prize!
That is enough to buy a new costume after you
have soiled the first one.

a
to

7. Mother Nature will not be kind

With a projected high/low of 34/22 degrees, 10-20 mph winds, and cloudy skies you
should absolutely get a solid layer of beer jacket going early on. However, it is nothing
bearcats havent dealt with before.

8. This may be the biggest Parade Day yet!

Unfortunately, the announced Binghamton University Spring 2017 Schedule contains

an early mid-semester break from March 3-7, which means residence halls will be
closing. Therefore, on campus residents (of legal age) will be sure to turn out in
droves to make up for the year upcoming. So lets make this Parade Day a day to
barely remember!
by Jonathan Alvizuri, Undergraduate Marketing Intern

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CULTURE CHATS
Culture Chats is a series of interviews conducted by students featuring Binghamton University faculty,
staff, alumni and the like! This series will help you get to know diverse professionals who currently
work at or have attended Binghamton. You will have an opportunity to get to know the person, gain
advice or learn about unique and interesting pathways to careers.

Culture Chat with Susan Lewis, associate director

of the Office of International Programs

It is Womens History Month, and I had the great pleasure of

getting to talk to Susan Lewis, the associate director of the Office

of International Programs (OIP) here at Binghamton University.
Ms. Lewis is a passionate supporter of women empowerment and
diversity here on campus, and today we can hear more about
her experiences.
What is your name, occupation and how long have you
been here in Binghamton?
Susan B. Lewis, Associate Director, International Partnership
Development and Global Health and Safety. Ive been at Binghamton since 1992, and in the
Office of International Programs since 1997.
What is your role in Binghamton University?
I oversee our international exchange partnerships and the inbound exchange program,
work on institutional agreement, and oversee global health and safety for the Office of
International Programs.
Why do you think it is important to have Womens History Month?
I have a Masters degree in European womens history and European history, and so womens
history is near and dear to my heart. Early studies of womens history led to a much more
gendered approach to history more generally, and helped change the focus from top-down
political and military history -- the history of great men -- to a focus on ordinary peoples
lives and actions and the collective force of that. But the impact that women have had on
history is still under-recognized and undervalued, so its important to keep shining a light on
their roles in historical events.
What women in your life have inspired you, and why?
Im blessed to have been surrounded by strong, intelligent, resourceful women in my
life, beginning with my mother, who had MS (multiple sclerosis), and was confined to a
wheelchair when I was eight or so, but nevertheless went back to school when I was 18 to
earn her teaching credentials. She went out every day as a substitute teacher in the last
several years of her life, with just limited use of one hand left. In spite of her disability, she
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CULTURE CHATS
embraced life and was engaged in the world. Both my parents also gave me the gift of
curiosity and a love of reading, and of history, which has helped me to stay engaged in
the world. My sister, who is 2 years older than I, has also always been an inspiration
and role model.
What is one of your proudest accomplishments, and one of your greatest
challenges, here in BU?
My proudest accomplishment is the hundreds of exchange students Ive welcomed
here from all over the world, and the sincere care and hospitality Ive been able to
give them. I think theyve left here knowing they made a contribution to the rich fabric
of our University and with an appreciation of the unique experience and supportive
environment they found here.
My greatest challenge has been managing a very small, specialized program that
requires exceptions and work-arounds to the general processes of the campus,
which are designed for the masses, not for individualized cases, and making campus
constituencies aware of why those
exceptions are necessary and of the valuable contribution that the exchange students
make to the University.
What is your message to young women in the University, and everywhere?
If you are Binghamton students, then you are smart and capable young women and
have a unique and valuable contribution to make to the world. You can overcome any
obstacle, so go out there and make the world a better place!
By Priyanka Das, Undergraduate Marketing Intern

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CULTURE CHATS
Culture Chat with Lilian Li, Junior Political Science Major
and Outstanding Student Leader

This month I interviewed Lilian Li, a junior political

science major, who is highly involved on campus as a

student leader. As an international student, she chose to
study political science, a major that requires her to utilize
her second language, English. She truly has jumped out
of her comfort zone and still remains actively involved on
campus and works to help the campus continue to grow.
Here is what she had to say:

What do you study and what are your involvements on campus?

I am a Political science major at Harpur college. I am a professional chair and fundraiser
chair on the International Connection executive board, a residential assistant for Newing
Delaware, a MRC host for diversity talk show, and I have interned at the Transfer student
office program coordinator and served as a speaking lab consultant. I have attended and
continue to attend many events on campus and have connection clubs such as HKES and
Chinascope. Most recently I am also starting a new club named DL Entertainment, aiming
to build connection between performers and performing stages.
How did you decide to come to Binghamton? How did you first get involved with
Binghamton University and the surrounding community?
I saw pictures of Binghamton campus online after I got accepted. Fall season looked so
pretty from the pictures that I decided to come experience for myself. To be honest, after
seeing the beautiful Fall, I didnt expect the winter to be this long and cold. Quimbamba
Latin Dance Team was my first official club that I attended and performed for at
Binghamton. I was super nervous in the audition, but Quimbamba members were very nice
and friendly, and the group was very diverse that they helped me out a lot.
Among all your involvement, which one do you think you influence the campus
the most?
International connection definitely. I joined the executive board freshman year. During my
3 years in the club, we held a lots of general body meetings playing small games to get
international and multicultural background students to interact with domestic students.
Every semester we have a big event and IC night is the biggest among the year. As
professional chair, I reach out to individual and groups who want to perform and invite
them to perform for IC night. Through my job as professional chair, I helped people realize
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CULTURAL ORGANIZATION LISTING

their performing dreams and build my own network with performers and performing
groups. My connection with multicultural clubs now is helping my RA responsibility. I
help my residents get involved on campus and introduce them to different clubs.
What is your future plan on campus?
I would like to keep volunteering in my previous club and hosting MRC diversity show.
Before I graduate next semester, I would like to share my recourses to the performers.
I hope get my new club DL Entertainment SA charter. And encourage shy but talented
individuals to perform.
What does diversity/ culture mean to you?
It means to respect and care about everyone from different cultures. Binghamton is
doing really good on promoting diversity I think.
What would you suggest to make Binghamton a better community?
I think different culture groups helping each other and doing collaborations together
would make Binghamton a better community. This way people from different culture
would have the platforms to meet each other and dinteract with each other. The campus
would be more diverse.
By Yeqin Liu, Undergraduate Marketing Intern

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WOMENS HISTORY MONTH

March

first is the start of Womens History Month! During Womens History Month the
contributions that women have made to history, culture and policy are celebrated. During
this month incredible women from different time periods and all around the world are
recognized. Recognized women include abolitionist Harriet Tubman who was a conductor
on the Underground Railroad that led over 300 slaves to freedom. Eleanor Roosevelt, a
human rights activist, fought not only for equality of the sexes but also the rights of AfricanAmericans, lower class citizens and the unemployed making her another recognized figure
in Womens History. Another important woman who is celebrated during Womens History
Month is suffragist Susan B. Anthony, who fought for womens right to vote as well as the
right for women to own their own property, womens labor organizations and the abolition of
slavery. Without these women our society would be incredibly different today and we would
have so much farther to go in the fight for equal rights for all people.

Womens History Month dates back to 1981 when congress created the first Womens
History Week and the first official
Womens History Month was in 1987. In
recent years the month has been referred
to Womens HerStory Month in order
to place emphasis on women, instead of
men, from a historical perspective. The
term HerStory was created by Robin
Morgan in her novel Sisterhood is Powerful.
This month is crucial because it allows
extraordinary women from all different
cultures and backgrounds to receive
recognition for helping to shape the world
into a more equal and diverse place.

Women today continue to serve as leaders

of our society, inspiring movements and
fighting for equal gender rights. Serena WIlliams,a seventeen-time grand-slam singles
winner, has been a leader not only in the sports world but in fighting against unrealistic
societal expectations that are placed on womens bodies. Being an African-American athlete,
Williamss body differs greatly from what society sees as the ideal body type for women but
she continues to be proud of her body and encourage young girls and women to be confident
in themselves as well. Women like Serena Williams who strive for gender equality in society
help to create a better society each and every day and by recognizing them during Womens
History Month more women in society can be inspired to do great things.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Womens History Month events from the Womens
Student Unions and other campus organizations; as they will be popping up on B-line soon!
-Dominique Russel, Undergraduate Marketing Intern
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/women/notable.htm
http://womenshistorymonth.gov/about.html
https://www.uvm.edu/~women/?Page=herstory.html&SM=eventsmenu.html
http://www.sportingnews.com/sport-news/4653809-serena-williams-body-image-normal-athlete-us-opentennis-grand-slam-serena-slam

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MRC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Representatives from cultural student

organizations are invited to attend the
monthly MRC Student Leaders meeting!
The March Student Leaders meeting
will occur at 7 p.m. Tuesday,
March 22, in UU-111. Come learn
information and skills to help you be
a better student leader! Dinner will be
provided by a local cultural restaurant.

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CULTURAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Looking for a campus job? Its

not too late! B-Engaged will be
posting online applications
this March 1st & 2nd. This is
your chance to improve your
college work experience, grab it
while you can!

Come out to the Gospel Choir

Apollo night, on Marcch 10th
from 6-9pm in the Undergrounds
Cafe. The event is a rendition
of the Harlems Apollo Night.
People with any sort of talent song, dance and spoken word,
can perform and compete for
a grand prize. There will be
trivia and complimentary snacks
throughout the event. The event
will be $3 for attendees!

17

CULTURAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Make sure to come dressed in

your finest as the Hation Student
Association celebrates Hatian
culture on March 5th at
6pm. With a great Haitian
band, JBeatz, performing
live; a famous Haitian
comedian, Haitian V, taking the
stage;various performances by your
favorite student groups; and not to
mention delicious, authentic Haitian
cuisine.

Join Thurdgood Marshall for Watch

Your Step, the annual step
show competition, on March
12, 2016 at 6:30pm in UU
Mandela Room. Tickets are
$10 in advance and more at
door, so get your tickets today!

Dont forget to attend ASOs

Banquet, This is your
opportunity to learn more
about African culture!
This event will take
place on Wednesday,
March 16th in the Mandela
Room.
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CULTURAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The 6th annual TEDxBinghamtonUniversity

is just around the corner! From hip-hop
politics to space exploration, comic book
pharmaceuticals to virtual reality - TEDx
speakers will show you how they Flip
the Script in their fields every day.
The event will take place on Sunday,
March 20 in the Osterhout Concert
Theater Tickets are available at the
MarketPlace from noon-4 p.m. or online at
BingTickets starting Monday, Feb. 22.

Join SHADES on
Wednesday, March
23rd in UUW302 to
discuss homophobic
culture in the music
industry as well as
other obstacles that
LGBTQIAP music artists
faced and might still face.

19

Contact Us
Location:Library South G 549
Phone:(607) 777-4472
Fax:(607)777-2373
Email:mrc@binghamton.edu

Staff
Nicole Sirju-Johnson, Ph.D - Director
njohnson@binghamton.edu
Tanyah Barnes, M.Ed - Interim MRC Assistant Director
tbarnes@binghamton.edu
Michele Hayes - Secretary
mhayes@binghamton.edu

Connect with the Multicultural Resource Center!

facebook.com/MRCBinghamton
@mrcbu
@BinghamtonMRC
Binghamton MRC
@BinghamtonMRC
mrc.binghamton.edu
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