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Programs and Events

Black BaccalaureateBlack Baccalaureate
Black Baccalaureate is a traditional event sponsored by the Office of Diversity and the African American Student Union (AASU), which recognizes the academic achievement of graduating African American students (traditional, non-traditional, masters-level) at Otterbein College. Black Baccalaureate also recognizes African-American non-seniors for their academic achievements and strong leadership skills.

This event is held during the month of May. Graduating students may invite parents, relatives and friends to celebrate in their achievement. Each graduate that participates in Black Baccalaureate receives a special gift, an African kente cloth with the graduating year on it, which you are encouraged to wear with your graduation gown, during the official graduation ceremonies.

This event is a chance to celebrate the achievements and contributions of students, and acknowledge the support and encouragement given by family, friends, and members of the Otterbein College community.

 

DESIRE
DESIRE (Diversity Education Scholars: Involved in Reaching and Educating) is a peer education program specifically designed for students to openly explore all aspects of diversity. Scholars are selected through an application process and are trained in a variety of diversity issues and subjects. The scholars work together, and independently, in conjunction with the Office of Diversity to promote diversity and plan the DESIRE Diversity Conference. Click here to learn more about applying to be a DESIRE Scholar.

 

Global Village Dinner and ShowGlobal Village Dinner & Show
The centerpiece of the International Festival is the Global Village Dinner and Show, which features savory food from many different countries and cultures and a fashion and talent show. Otterbein students, faculty, and staff and the greater community are all invited to this fun event.

Gospel Festival
The annual Gospel Festival, full of praise, worship, song, dance, poetry and much more. The festival will feature the Otterbein Gospel Choir and other campus and choir choirs and soloists. This event is free and opened to the public.

Heritage Months and Traditional Celebration
Each year, the Office of Diversity holds special programs for the Otterbein College community to celebrate the following nationally recognized heritage months.

  • September 15 - October 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month
  • October - Disability Awareness Month
  • October 11 - National Coming Out Day
  • November - Native American Heritage Month
  • February - Black History Month
  • March - Women's History Month
  • May - Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Dancers at Global Village Dinner and ShowInternational Festival
The annual International Festival is held during Winter quarter. Its purpose is to raise awareness of international issues and topics; to highlight the presence of international students, faculty, and staff on campus; and to emphasize the importance of foreign language study. The festival features guest speakers, faculty and student presentations, the Global Village Dinner and Show, and other special events.

 

Kroger Emergency Book Loans for Students of Color

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Otterbein holds a convocation with a speaker every year to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
Kwanzaa is an African American/Pan-African holiday that was created in 1966 as a means of recovery and reaffirmation of the African culture. The holiday is a communal celebration designed to reinforce the bonds among African American people, the African Diaspora and African culture. It is held from December 26 - January 1 and focuses on 7 principles (The Nguzo Saba).

These seven principles are:

  • Umoja (Unity)
  • Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
  • Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
  • Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
  • Nia (Purpose)
  • Kuumba (Creativity)
  • Imani (Faith)

The Otterbein College Pre-Kwanzaa celebration is held in November. It is designed to introduce Kwanzaa to members of the Otterbein College community and provide a means for African American members of the Otterbein community to connect with each other and the larger community in a celebration of African American culture.

 

Shades of SuccessShades of Success (SOS)
Shades of Success is a transition program for incoming freshmen/transfer students of color. The goals of SOS are to:

  • expose students to the resources necessary to build a strong academic career by introducing faculty, administrators and students leaders,
  • expose students to social activities and student organizations as ways to get engaged and comfortable on campus,
  • welcome students of color and their families in a small intimate setting, allowing students to meet peers and upperclassmen, and
  • allow students the opportunity to become familiar with their surroundings before New Student Weekend.

Women's Studies Festival
The Women's Studies Festival takes place during spring quarter. The festival features presentations by visiting scholars addressing worldwide women's issues.