Yes, this is a flipped version of the quote meteorologists use to describe March. Prior to Spring Break MSPS club activities were invisible. The statement reflects how MSPS clubs impacted the Notre Dame and Michiana communities after the break. I had the pleasure of witnessing the multiple talents of our students in the 2015 Luau sponsored by the Hawai`I Club. More than 200 students from the surrounding universities/colleges and cities were immersed in Hawaiian culture ranging from performances to cuisine. It was a pleasurable escape from the sunny yet blistery day.
The following week Shades of Ebony held their Women’s Week Celebration in conjunction with the Gender Relations Center. The week was filled with panel discussions, events including local middle and high school students and their annual dinner. Dr. Eleanor Walker (`84), Haley Scott DeMaria (`95), and Amanda Peña (`15) shared their experiences as women pursuing their Notre Dame degrees. They acknowledged the foresight of Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C. to make Notre Dame a co-educational institution and enriched the experiences of those who attended.
The Latino Student Alliance continued the global excursion with the 2015 Latin Expressions Raíces: return to our roots. The audience viewed the Latino Diaspora through the lens of the hosts, who were role playing as prospective students on a campus visit. The audience was engaged and joined the performers on the stage during the closing song. Congratulations to Erik Mendoza and Nidia Ruelas 2015 Julian Samora Scholarship recipients, who were selected after a rigorous interview process and review of their involvement in the Notre Dame and Latino communities. The Hispanic Alumni Board announced the winners at Latin X.
The Black Cultural Arts Council ended the month with their signature fashion show, “Risqué.” Sheldon Day, Marquis Dickerson and Mario Berkley navigated the audience through the world fashion that challenged the senses. The audience rocked to the music and were delighted by spring fashions and entertained by the re-visioning of the infamous Tom Cruise scene from Risky Business. The Black Alumni of Notre Dame presented eight of the fourteen Frazier Thompson Scholarships at the event. Congratulations to the 2015- 2015 recipients: Derek Bland, Chizo Ekechukwu, Patricia Ekwueme, Kereknaan Fiannaan, Ashley Henry, Ray`Von Jones, Anna Kiely, Lena Madison, Alexandra Rice, Francesca Simon, Trenton Templeton, Amber Thomas, Aaron Vernon, and Steven Waller. These students met the academic requirements and have been actively involved in the African American and Notre Dame communities.
The 29th Annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet highlighted the achievements of MSPS constituents who have made a significant impact on the Notre Dame community. We would like to acknowledge the winners also: Irish Clover Award – Hermana Abera; Student Leadership Awards – Demetrius Murphy, Ally Kwun, Reagan Li, Deandra Cadet; John W. Gardner Student Leadership Award – Christina Guiterrez; Mike Russo Spirit Award – Lauren Vidal; Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C. Award – Matthew Wong; and Rev. A Leonard Collins , C.S.C. Award –Juan Rangel. The last three are the highest Student Affairs Awards given to undergraduate students. Kudos to all the winners and numerous nominees. It was an honor to see these students recognized in the presence of faculty, administrators and their peers.
April has several major events occurring to keep the campus engaged. April 11 – Wabruda’s Black Man’s Think Tank – Finding Your Passion, FASO – 2015 Fiestang KAPAMILYA of the same family, April 17 – Shades’ Skating Party, and April 18 – Voices of Faith Spring Concert; PFresh Show. Please support these clubs by coming and bring a friend or two.
Lastly, Welcome the Spring Weather. Look forward to seeing you at these events and on campus.
Peace,
Ms. Iris