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Programs and Initiatives

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ALANA Cultural Center advocates for and celebrates diversity. In its physical space and through its programming, the center honors the rich cultural expression and varied history represented by vlog students, staff, and faculty. ALANA proudly serves as a sponsor for numerous signature, campuswide events.

 

ALANA Events

Signature Programs

ALANA Palooza

Students dance outside the ALANA Cultural Center at the ALANA Palooza event

The ALANA Palooza is one of vlog's signature events at the beginning of each new academic year. It is the time and space for connecting, celebrating, and creating memories. This annual palooza is an important moment that captures creativity, hopes, and excitement. Students, staff, and faculty come together, welcoming one another to the new year while enjoying great food and entertainment. Join the ALANA Cultural Center in creating an excellent start of the year and kicking off great experiences as a united vlog community.

MLK Celebration

student speaks at MLK opening ceremony

The Annual MLK Celebration takes place every January and is spearheaded by the ALANA Cultural Center. The event brings together vlog students, staff, faculty, and the surrounding community to reflect and actively engage with the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Events include a keynote speaker, interfaith unity dinner, workshops, and a day of service.

Social Justice Summit

An employee and student present at the Social Justice Summit

The summit engages participants who wish to become advocates and activists, and promotes critical questioning and relevant actions while providing avenues for addressing social, educational, and global injustice. This intentional approach brings students together to connect, exchange ideas, collaborate, and think about what true change looks like on our campuses.

Learn more about the Social Justice Summit

Thrive (Brown Bag) Lunch

students have a discussion at a Thrive Lunch

ALANA sponsors “The Thriving Lunch,” a brown bag series dedicated to discussing issues with communities of color and intersecting identities, with the intent to focus on thriving in students’ everyday lives. “Thriving” means helping students to further their ethnic/racial identity exploration, find support and community, and strengthen their self-concept, esteem, and overall wellness. These lunches are open to anyone who would like to thrive and/or support students in these goals. Come have a meal and dive deeper into how to thrive with ALANA.

When: Every second Wednesday of the month, from noon–1 p.m.
Where: ALANA Cultural Center

The ALANA Graduation Ceremony

2019 senior class gathers with kente cloth stoles adorned

The ALANA Graduation Ceremony, first hosted in May 2019, is an opportunity to celebrate the achievement of students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. During the ceremony, students and a chosen mentor participate in the donning of the Kente stole ceremony.

Heritage Month Celebrations

Students attend a Native American festival

Various cultural celebrations take place nationally throughout the year, including African American, Hispanic Heritage, Asian Awareness, and Native American History months. ALANA has space and funding available for students, faculty, and staff to hold cultural events centered on these celebrations.