The Diversity Center is up and running at Stan State. It opened its doors to students and faculty members during their dedication and open house event yesterday.
It began with opening dedications from the university’s President, Dr. Ellen Junn and Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Suzanne Espinoza. 
The event, held in room 201 of the university library, was held from noon to 5 p.m.
Following the commencement ceremony were imagery showings, readings and poetry presentations from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Imagery and art work were posted around the room. The goal was to represent what the event and Diversity Center was created for. 
“We tried to touch on as many different aspects of diversity as possible,” Special Assistant to the Vice President and Dean of Students, Stephanie Hubbard said. 
Some of the imagery touched on farmworkers and immigration. Other types of artwork displayed were those that allowed students to participate.
There was a window that had a question written on it asking, “What does unity and inclusion mean to you?” 
Students then wrote things like, ‘#Decolonial,’ ‘Accessibility’ and ‘My voice is heard.’ 
Another student participatory art piece was a door full of sticky notes where students wrote what issues they felt needed to be addressed. 
A few of the sticky notes read, “Did you know that there are over 200 Dreamers at Stan State?,” “Stop protecting white supremacy” and “Where is our private prayer space?”
A calendar was also displayed with upcoming events for the remaining Fall semester and Spring 2018 semester. 
Some students and staff came forward to present poetry during the event.
Students that came forward to present poetry included Lorena Arroyo Garcia, Mercy Akanji and Jordan Alvarado. The last poetry reading was by Matthew Lopez- Phillips, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. 
“You define you, and there is power in that,” Lopez-Phillips said in closing after playing the flute. 
Anthony Valencia (senior, English) was inspired to come and said he was glad that a place like the Diversity Center is now on campus.
“I saw the email and was interested in the event. I was inspired to come and support the Diversity Center because I believe everyone should be able to come to school and feel safe,” Valencia said. 
Gloria Vallin (senior, Communication Studies), former sergeant of arms and external representative for MEChA club on campus agreed with Valencia. 
“I’m glad the students and faculty were able to experience their voice/experience through readings, poetry, etc… this signifies that Our Dean of Students (Matthew Lopez Phillips) and Stephanie Hubbard are reaching out and trying to establish a relationship with the students,” Vallin said. 
Hubbard stresses that this place will always be open for anyone who is need of help. 
“I want people to know that we are here,” Hubbard said. “If there are any issues on campus around diversity or intolerance, this center will be open for students. This is a place where you can meet, gather and feel safe.”