Culture houses help develop diverse social networks

With the number of students of color on campus more than doubling in the past seven years, a reflection of even broader changes in the nation's demographics, Augustana College is redoubling its efforts to help students build more diverse social networks as a key to their future success.

"These networks can be so important to a rewarding college experience, and also vital to preparing our students for life after college," said Dr. Evelyn Campbell, dean and vice president of student life.

In 2009, about 11 percent of Augustana's incoming class were students of color. This fall, the figure is 25 percent.

In the past year, the college has:

• Remodeled and refurbished its three culture houses representing Latina/o, African-American and Asian-American traditions.

• Added three professional staff to its Office of Multicultural Student Life.

• Elevated the multicultural program from a single office to an expansive administrative center on the fourth floor of The Gerber Center with staff offices, student worker space, meeting and reception areas.

"We're not only trying to support students from diverse backgrounds, but also making sure all of our students are embracing those differences," said Patricia Santoyo-Marín, director of multicultural student life for the past year and an assistant dean of students. "It's a beautiful exchange of ideas, beliefs and cultural identities."

Under Santoyo-Marín, more than 600 Augustana students were involved with multicultural clubs last year, with many programs organized around the college's three culture houses: Casa Latina, the Black Culture House and the Asian Pagoda House. A dozen student workers on staff coordinated projects out of each house. Activities included movie nights, the sharing of ethnic meals, video chats with people from around the world, and the celebration of cultural holidays.

"As we get more programming coming through these houses, we're going to see more people from different racial backgrounds joining these discussions," said Darien Marion-Burton '15, who served as committee chair for the multicultural club council last year.

"I think the biggest challenge in a changing world is becoming more diverse, while also exploring our individual identities," he said. "You can't be a leader in a global society without knowing who you are, as a person, and coming to understand how other people relate to you."

Comfort zone

For years, the culture houses functioned as smaller entities. Essentially, they were student clubs, a place to hang out and get involved with students of similar backgrounds. While the houses are now open to all students, and the scope of their activities is growing every year, they are still designed to create a comfort zone for students of color.

"They still provide that safe space for students (of color) to let go and be themselves," said Marion-Burton.

According to Dr. Campbell, the evolving nature of the culture houses is a visible sign of the college's mission statement to "prepare students for lives of leadership and service in an increasingly diverse and changing world."

"I'm excited about the way we're doing it," Dr. Campbell said. "I think it serves all our students in the best possible way, and I believe we'll continue growing in this direction in the future."

Houses open for use

Augustana's culture houses are open from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Each house also is available for use by campus organizations and can be reserved by contacting the Office of Multicultural Student Life at 309-794-8275.

Casa Latina is on the library circle drive at 3416 9 1/2th Ave. It's available for small-group fellowship, tutoring, studying and meetings, and has a wall mural that depicts different aspects of Hispanic culture. The mural is a collaborative effort of Augustana students and community members.

The Black Culture House is at 3249 10th Ave. on the walk between the library and Westerlin Residence Center. It also is available for small-group fellowship, tutoring, studying and meetings. It features a library and historical artifacts of African and African-American culture.

The Asian Pagoda House is at 912 34th Ave., west of the library. Like the other houses, it's also a place for small-group fellowship, tutoring, studying and meetings.