News from the Wackerlin Center
|
|
November is a full month. The calendar is complete with several significant holidays as well as days of remembrance. These include All Saints Day, Diwali, National First-Generation Day, and Transgender Day of Remembrance.
November is also recognized as Native American Heritage Month, and the Wackerlin Center is proud to join with campus partners to honor and celebrate this population, one that is often misunderstood, caricatured, or rendered invisible. Please join us for the Cultural Exchange this month that brings to light current issues effecting this population and ways we can commit to becoming allies to them.
Another population that is sometimes misunderstood is military veterans. On November 10, our campus will pause to honor and show our support to military veterans within our AU community. University Chaplain, Mark Woolfington, has written a special message about Veterans at AU below. Please, take a moment to read it and the other announcements.
In solidarity,
Justin West
Executive Director, Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action
Chief Diversity Officer |
|
Honoring Military Veterans at AU
|
|
One of Aurora University’s core values is citizenship. One of the ways that this value has been shown in the life of the university is through the military service of students, faculty and staff. Following World War II, Aurora College welcomed dozens of returning veterans who paid for their education through the newly created GI Bill. Hundreds of men and women have followed in their bootsteps. Today, there are over 125 students at Aurora who have served or are currently serving in the National Guard or Reserves. There are a number of veterans who continue to answer the call to serve on our faculty and among our staff.
As Veterans Day (November 11) approaches, let us join together in recognizing veterans who are AU students and employees. Campus partners are offering two specific ways to do so.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Friday, November 10 at 11 a.m.
University Banquet Hall
Veterans Luncheon
sponsored by AU’s Veteran Association
Friday, November 10 at 12 p.m.
Hill Center for Student Success
Please RSVP for the luncheon by November 3 by emailing Allison Hostetler, Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs at ahostetler@aurora.edu. The luncheon is open to veterans at AU and those in the AU community who support them, who are interested in learning about joining the AU Veterans Association.
If you are veteran, or know an Aurora University student veteran who would like to connect with others who have served, please contact Dr. Chris Wells at cwells@aurora.edu for more information.
|
|
Two Spirit: Deconstructing Gender and Colonialism
Friday, November 16
12–1:15 p.m
Tapper Hall, Hill Welcome Center
Join Zachary Bishop, Instructor of Museum Studies and Registrar and Museum Manager of the Schingoethe Center, in a talk that acknowledges and honors gender identity among Native American communities. |
|
In response to popular demand, the Wackerlin Center is extending its hours of operation. The building will be open to students 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. If you’re looking for a quiet study place and cup of coffee before your evening class, stop by the Wackerlin Center on these select days. |
|
|
|
Revive Retreat
January 4–5, 2024
The Q Center in St. Charles, Illinois
Join fellow Aurora University students for a holistic retreat that attends to your mind, body, and spirit. Gain tools for self-care, self-awareness, and reflection through guided workshops by AU staff members. Renew yourself through trail walks, group activities, meditation, yoga, quiet rest, and more.
Click here to learn more and apply.
|
|
|
Belong Webinar for Faculty and Staff
|
Best Practices to Create an Inclusive Campus Environment
Tuesday, November 7
1 p.m. CT
A panel of experts will...
• Share best practices that foster appreciation for diverse identities.
• Discuss how you can set expectations for productive dialogue.
• Provide strategies that will help you build a network of support that promotes equity on your campus.
• Explore ways to strengthen accessibility throughout your courses, programming, and campus environment.
Click here to register for this webinar. |
|
|
|
|
|
Worship Night 6:30 p.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
|
|
Catholic Mass
7:15–8 a.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
|
|
Cultural Exchange Conversation
12 p.m.
Wackerlin Center |
|
|
Worship Night
6:30 p.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
|
|
Catholic Mass
7:15–8 a.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
|
|
BSI Women's Empowerment Monthly Meeting
1 p.m.
Wackerlin Center |
|
|
BSI Men's Empowerment Group Monthly Meeting
1 p.m.
Wackerlin Center |
|
|
Worship Night
6:30 p.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
|
|
|
|
Cultural Exchange: Identity is my Superpower
On October 4, the AU community gathered at the Hill Welcome Center for a curator talk led by Mariza Rocha Gonzalez, Director of Latino/a Student Initiatives. Mariza curated the Identity is my Superpower exhibit in the Schingoethe Center and invited all who experience the exhibition to reflect on the richness of their culture and identify the superpowers they inherited from those who came before them. |
|
|
BSI Kickback: Game Night and Black Trivia
Students enjoyed a night of games and trivia at the Wackerlin Center on October 26. Be sure to attend the next BSI Kickback on Friday, December 1. |
|
Aurora University Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action 347 S. Gladstone Ave. Aurora, Illinois 60506 United States You are receiving this email because you are a member of the AU community. To update your email preferences, please Unsubscribe. |
|
|
|
|
