Photo by Ryan Mumm
From left, Daniel Binkard, Danielle Hencey and Chastity Julson, staff members from CSC’s student newspaper, The Eagle, wave to the crowd during the 2006 Homecoming parade down Chadron's Main Street.
CA Student Launches Diversity Forum
By Kristi Corey, The Eagle
Patrice Henson, senior, put together a diversity forum for the college and the community. “After my personal experience with racism here in Chadron, I felt a need to put a project together, which promotes a positive idea about diversity,” said Henson.
The forum will be on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 11 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. The meeting will last approximately 1 hour. Cookies and drinks will be offered and everyone is invited.
Dr. Janie Park, president, will speak, along with Jovan Mays, Elisa Wickman, Christy Webber, Patrice Henson, Melat Sileshi and Danielle Hencey.
Henson said, “I feel people may not understand that even if you don’t believe in another person’s beliefs, you can still coexist by using tolerance.” Tolerance is just one of the topics which will be discussed. A video will be shown about: racism, sexism, genderism, diversity, humanity, equality and tolerance. Each speaker will give examples of their own personal experience with these topics.
Henson put hours of work into this project. “In putting this forum together I have designed posters, contacted professors and contacted students to speak at the forum. I also put together a CSC diversity pledge for student to sign,” said Henson.
The pledge will be given to each person in attendance. It was inspired by “The Birmingham Foundation” and states: “I believe every person has worth and deserves respect, I believe that any behavior, act, or thoughts of sexism, racism, or genderism is harmful and if that behavior, act, or thought is mine, then it is also harmful to me, from this day I will strive to eliminate prejudice from my thoughts and actions, I will discourage any prejudice by others at every opportunity, I will treat all people with dignity and respect; and I will strive daily to honor this pledge, knowing that this campus and this world will be a better place because of my effort.”
Henson said, “My objective in creating a forum for diversity was turning negative behavior and my experience into a positive project that would reflect a celebration of diversity.”
Communication Arts Mission Statement
The Communication Arts department helps students gain tools for life-long learning and for developing more meaningful and effective voices in the ongoing conversation of our communities and our culture. We seek to accomplish our mission through an active program of communication study, practice, and research.
“Choosing communications at Chadron has opened my opportunities and given me confidence to pursue a great career. With a great major and athletics, Chadron was a great pick.”
Patrice Henson
Class of 2007
“I chose the Communication Arts major because the fascinating field of human communication and interaction is all around us, and more employers than ever want individuals who are versatile and skilled in this area.”
Rhea Karr
Class of 2008
“I chose Communication Arts because it offers a wide variety of classes and activities at a very affordable price. I can pursue the degree of my choice while getting real life experience.”
Ryan Mumm
Class of 2010