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U of M plans multicultural graduation celebration

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (5/4/2004) -- The University of Minnesota will host a multicultural graduation celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at the Great Hall of Coffman Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis.

The event, “A Multicultural Grad Gathering: ‘Embracing Difference and Change in the 21st Century,’ is open to U of M graduates as well as college and high school graduates in the Twin Cities community. The evening programs include speakers Kazoua Kong-Thao of the St. Paul School Board, U of M General College Dean David Taylor; filmmaker and author Lee Mun Wah, and keynote speaker Joseph White, a professor of psychology from the University of California, Irvine.

Following the speeches, a World Market Buffet will feature food from Babalu (Latin Caribbean), Da Afghan (Afghani), University Dining Services in partnership with Black Bear Crossings (American and Native American), Lucille's Kitchen (soul food), Highlight AA Market (Hmong) and True Taste by Chef Jeff (Mexican).

Performances by various U of M and community artists will start at 8:15 p.m. They include a slideshow presentation by photographer Wing Young Huie, dances by the Chang Mi Korean Dancers, a spoken word performance by the U of M Voices Merging, blues/Latin jazz music by Dennard Clendenin and Blues Ensemble, and Latin/salsa dance lessons.

“This gathering will celebrate the successes and achievements of students who will be graduating from any program at the University of Minnesota, as well as those from within the community,” said Holly Choon Hyang Pettman, who heads the Multicultural Gathering Association (MGA), the group that plans the event. “Aside from celebrating the completion of education, this event will also include a multicultural educational focus in which various individuals from the community, corporate, and educational sectors will be involved.”

The event is free and open to the public but registration is required. The registration deadline is Thursday, May 13, at 4:30 p.m. To register, call (612) 301-0749 or email MGA@UMN.EDU.

The event is sponsored by General College, Coca Cola the Minnesota Student Association, the School of Social Work and the Student Activities Office.