Ship celebrates Diversity Week [gallery]

This year’s Diversity Week at Ship featured multiple guest speakers, a fire artist and many community building and inclusion activities.

Kicking off the week Monday, October 4, was a women’s empowerment talk. All were welcome to participate in discussions on empowering women and inspiring change. Topics included gender equality, economic empowerment, and work-life balance among others. Panelists included Dr. Ashley Lewis, Ms. Arielle Catron, Ms. Rosa Rivera-Geraldo, Dr. Chartice Wyatt Thermil, and Ms. Alithia Zamantakis.

Bryan Hickman ’12, came back to campus to share his beautiful and mesmerizing performance artwork. Using fire to finish each of his pieces changes the resulting work, often subverting expectations.

Monica Baker came and shared her new work of poetry titled “Phantom Butterflies” which focused on love, social justice, and other philosophical thought-provoking matters.

Tuesday, Dr. Allison Dagnes, facilitated a political speed dating event. Encouraging students with differing political opinions to come out and share perspectives. The exercise gave those involved an opportunity to ask questions without fear of criticism or accusation. Students were given time to find common ground on many topics. Giving the community a chance to see that we have more in common than we do differences.

Ms. Elizabeth and colleagues shared in the art of African American quilting. Students learned about the tradition and history behind quilting. Many beautiful quilts were on display for students to view.

The Women’s Center held its annual tulip planting ceremony Wednesday. The event is held every year to remember those lost to domestic violence and advocate for an end to all power-based violence.

Mr. Kelly D. Summerford portrayed Mr. Goodridge for the William C. Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum. This event showcased the life of William C. Goodridge who became one of the wealthiest African American businessmen in South Central Pennsylvania during the 1800’s.

The Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) revealed “A Quilt to Cover Us All” Friday. This is done to create a spirit of unity and cry for justice in the Shippensburg University community. The quilt gave the community a platform for expression, showing the value of the community’s differences and commonalities.

Friday evening the fountain turned purple to recognize those in recovery as well as the allies who support the journey of recovery from substance use disorder.

Saturday night students gathered at the hockey rink to share in food, games, and heard from the Diversity Week leadership team to finish out the week.