Over the summer, Capital completed renovations that expanded the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the Harry C. Moores Student Union.
The Denvy A. Bowman Diversity and Inclusion Center now includes an office and full community room with a television and desks.
This expanded office plans to serve as a place where the student community can learn from one another and fully experience the diversity of the campus.
Fatou Ndao, sophomore, says she is in the new office almost every day.
“It’s so much nicer than the original space,” Ndao said. “It was too small. There wasn’t as much of a diverse crowd coming in here.”
While many think that the office may just be a place for minorities, it strongly promotes that the space is open to everyone on campus.
There are many activities planned through the office, including a community discussion on Fridays, where students bring in social issues theywould like to talk about.
Students are encouraged to have fun and make connections through these activities throughout the week.
People also come into the office when activities are not in session and use it as a study space or a relaxing spot to watch TV with friends.
“I used to go to the library and do homework, but now I come here to study,” Ndao said.
With a larger space, it is more inviting to those around campus who may not have considered coming to activities otherwise.
This space serves as a fun, casual place to hang out, but for some, it has become a very important part of their lives on campus.
As an international student, Ndao was met with difficulty as she missed her home in Senegal during her first year at Capital.
Her experience with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion helped her to feel welcome at the university and in the community of students.
“The people here are like my family,” Ndao said. “This place makes me feel special. I feel at home,”
The office strives to help students get in touch with different ideas, religious practices and cultures.
They are also affiliated with many of the multicultural student organizations on campus and help to connect students to become new members.
The office has increased attendance at their events throughout the week and hopes to continue to foster a larger sense of community between diverse groups on campus as the year progresses.
