NSU Horizons Spring 2014

23 HORIZONS Diversity “There are so many different cultures on campus,” Gilot said. “People don’t always understand other cultures. NSU has created activities to help people learn about the different rituals, traditions, and histories of cultures.” Gilot, a past president of the Pan-African Student Association, said she has volunteered to help present NSU’s Black History Month events for several years. “I’ve learned so much and met so many people I never thought I would meet—such as African kings and queens and an ambassador from Haiti.” NSU’s annual African Presence Art Exhibition and Black History Month events have become staples in the community. Held each February, the programs include book signings, films, discussions, poetry, and musical offerings. The African Presence Art Exhibition drew only 50 people when it began 11 years ago; now it attracts more than 300 people from the community on opening night and hundreds more during the month. “They come because they know NSU will offer a pro- gram that is inspiring and entertaining, but also relevant and of substance,” said Mara L. Kiffin, M.S., director of internal communications and chair of the African Pres- ence Organizing Committee and the Black History Month Committee. “Two of NSU’s Core Values are diversity and community, and these events incorporate those values.” NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Informa- tion Technology Center provides the setting for an array of culturally diverse events year-round. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the library hosts related art exhibits, film festivals, dance concerts, and special programs for children. The library’s past events have included French and Irish film festivals, a Chinese New Year’s celebration, and the Holocaust-related Hélène Berr, A Stolen Life exhibit. “The Alvin Sherman Library is not only about books or research. As a cultural center, we recognize our role as a portal to the entire world’s knowledge and a bridge to the community,” said Lydia M. Acosta, M.S., vice president for information services and university librarian of NSU. “Our free cultural events help engage and expose the community to the beauty of our differences and, at the same time, our similarities.” NSU’s Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences also has much to offer in terms of culturally diverse program- ming. The popular Distin- guished Speakers Series brings in renowned research- ers, scientists, authors, politi- cians, filmmakers, artists, and activists. Recent speak- ers have included retired general and former CIA director David Petraeus, genomic researcher J. Craig Venter, and author Rebecca Skloot. The lectures are typically open to the public, but may require tickets. The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences is also home to the Performance Series, an annual student event that includes dramatic pieces, improvisational comedy skits, and music and dance per- formances. All events are open to the public. A recent addition to the Performance Series is Novapool, a dance project in which students perform onstage at NSU along- side an Internet-streamed live performance at Liverpool John Moores University in England. “NSU is proud to be part of this community and to contribute to South Florida’s diverse arts and cultural programming,” said Don Rosenblum, Ph.D., dean of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences. “I often see community leaders, alumni, and parents of current students at lectures, productions, and research programs. I know this elevates student experiences, as well. A pre- eminent education has to go beyond the classroom.” NSU’s Museum of Art is a major resource for cultur- ally diverse programming available to the public. In addi- tion to its permanent and visiting art exhibits, the museum hosts art discussions; classes; lectures; film viewings; and the Art of Wine and Food Series, a monthly event that features a guest chef and sommelier-led wine tastings. The museum’s exhibitions and events often coincide with cultural themes, such as Bob Adelman’s photography during Black History Month and the works of American painter William Glackens. n Hélène Berr’s official portrait, 1942, in the Holocaust exhibit Hélène Berr, A Stolen Life © Mémorial de la Shoah—Coll. Mariette Job