center for student Diversity

Programs

Our annual Diversity Retreat, the Distinguished Black Marylanders Awards, and Cultural Kaleidoscope are among the many programs and activities that highlight our year of events current or past. TUnity Awards, TU's MLK celebration, and a Student Diversity Council (SDC) are more recent initiatives.

Retreat for Social Justice

Each fall semester, approximately 50 students and 10 faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds attend a weekend long retreat to learn about themselves and each other as cultural beings. In addition, participants explore culture-based assumptions, communicate across barriers, build relationships, and deepen mutual respect and appreciation of differences. And, of course, they have lots of fun! 

The 2007 and 2008 retreats were held at Capital Camps & Retreat Center in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. In 2009, we held the retreat at Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center in Maryland. These were the department's 9th, 10th, and 11th annual retreats. The year 2007 was our first time at the Capital Camps & Retreat Center -- the best part is that we had heated cabins and a beautiful view of the mountains. All expenses were paid -- so it's FREE to ALL students.

Our annual Retreat for Social Justice, formerly referred to as the Diversity Retreat , will be held at the Capital Camps & Retreat Center, PA.  If you want to stretch your thinking, take a risk, and grow with us, mark your calendar for November 12-1, 2010!

Cultural Kaleidoscope

Cultural Kaleidoscope is a week-long celebration of all aspects of diversity. We invite the entire campus community to sponsor, attend, or in some way be involved in the many lectures, discussions, performances, exhibits, and other offerings. We encourage you to begin thinking now about a program you would like to co-sponsor or suggest. Contact us for co-sponsorship or other assistance as you develop your ideas.

Distinguished Black Marylanders Award

Since 1983, TU has honored distinguished Marylanders of  African descent for the stellar work and contributions made to their professions and communities. This program also served to strengthen the ties between the African American community and the university.

This awards presentation was initiated as the Distinguished Black Women's Award. In 1988, the program was expanded to include men, and the name was changed to the Distinguished Black Marylanders Award. The citation served to recognize the contributions of African American Men and Women in their professions and to the black community. Each year, the University honored Marylanders who were outstanding in fields such as art, athletics, government, military, media, education, medicine/health, law/politics, sports social services and religion. Some were unsung heroes who have quietly struggled to change the status quo; others were acknowledged heroes. Many are living history lessons. All were exemplary role models for college students trying to decide who and how they want to be. After receiving the award, many continue to serve in various capacities - speakers, program participants, and consultants - valuable resources to the Towson community.

Candidates were nominated by Towson faculty, administrators, students and staff as well as past recipients. The selection committee comprised of faculty, students and staff.

The University, the recipients, and our students all benefited from this program. While showing our appreciation for the good works of a most deserving group of individuals, the University provided an exceptional learning experience for its students. Students not only helped in the nomination and selection process, they also presented, interacted, and networked with the recipients. Students found the program a source of pride, information and potentially helpful contacts for internships, mentorship, and job opportunities.

All of our programs are open to everyone. Come out and be an active participant in our multicultural learning community.