Monthly Newsletter

Greetings, friends of D&I, and Happy December!

We hope this message finds you chock full of gratitude and mashed potatoes, as well as all the gumption you need to take on these last few weeks of 2024 with a full head of steam. 

We hope you'll also find time in the coming days to look back on the year that has passed: to learn from its challenges, revel in its successes, and reflect on the opportunities that led you to both. We still have time for a few more such opportunities, so we look forward to connecting in some fashion at least once more this year. 

Until then, from all of us in the Division of Diversity & Inclusion, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and congratulations on a wonderful 2024 at UWL! 

Many people may think the term “sovereign” is an antiquated term that only matters outside of the U.S. or in a hit TV show or history book, but you may not realize that there is an everyday and local relevance to sovereignty. Join Dr. Ray Allen, National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at UW-Madison’s Center for Limnology at Trout Lake Research Station in Boulder Junction, WI, and former Tribal Council member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, for his unique talk touching on the histories of the Land and how academic institutions have and continue to harm and take from the work of Indigenous peoples.

When: Wednesday, December 4, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: Student Union Theatre

Join us in congratulating Dr. Victor Macías‑González as the recipient of the P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ People, and Anika Oplanic as the recipient of the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award! Victor and Anika will be recognized for their accomplishments at the awards ceremony at UW-Madison on December 4th.

Learn more about the P.B. Poorman Award and the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award.

Join the Intercultural Organization Promoting Awareness for our bi-weekly meetings, every other Monday (starting Sept 30th)! IOPA focuses on intercultural identities and bringing awareness to diverse cultures on campus.

When: Monday, December 9, 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: 2201 Centennial Hall

Join the Pride Center to learn more about Keith Haring's art and connection to the LGBTQ+ community, enjoy hot chocolate, and participate in creating a group art piece!

When: Monday, December 9, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Entertainment Café, basement of the Student Union

ALAN student organization logo

Join ALANA for their next meeting. They will discuss phenomenal women from the past, present, and future. Create a safe space for women of color and talk about how allies can support. There will be fun activities geared towards self-care and stress relief. Come to build connections with other women of color and allies on campus!

When: Tuesday, December 10, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1303 Centennial Hall

overpower inaccessibility shirt

UWL’s disability rights student org, DREAM, is hoping to raise $1000 in support of the La Crosse Autism Foundation, which provides resources, education, support, and awareness in the community for parents, children, and adults affected by autism. Get your “Overpower Inaccessibility” shirt today and help support the cause!

AERIE is a living learning community (LLC) under Multicultural Student Services for incoming first-year students for the academic year 2025-2026. AERIE intends to provide a safe space for support and a sense of belonging for our first-year multicultural students and students interested in multiculturalism. AERIE peer mentors will be assigned mentees from the AERIE LLC cohort and will engage in various leadership activities and events together.

The Division of Diversity & Inclusion invites you to join us in volunteering on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. More information is to come regarding the specifics, but if interested in joining, please contact us at diversity@uwlax.edu

Keep tabs on D&I engagement opportunities here: 2024-25 D&I Event Calendar

If you are planning or know of upcoming diversity-related events, please let us know at diversity@uwlax.edu.

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