In the past few years, CSB/SJU has attempted to increase the diversity of the student population and this year is no exception. Although the official numbers will not be available until next week, it is projected that nearly 10 percent of new students enrolled at CSB/SJU this fall will add that desired diversity to our campuses.
“We’ve made a lot of progress in a short amount of time,” said Vice President of Planning & Affairs Jon McGee. “Since 2004, the number of American students of color has more than doubled at SJU and tripled at CSB.”
In addition to the increase in diverse students, CSB/SJU also prides itself on maintaining a strong international student population. Last fall, CSB/SJU enrolled one in five of all international students at private colleges in Minnesota.
“In terms of recruitment, we have put a lot of emphasis on diversity over the last few years,” McGee said. “We believe diversity makes for a better, richer and more interesting community.”
In celebration of its increased diversity, CSB/SJU welcomed back Kip Fulbeck, creator of the Hapa Project. Fulbeck’s presentation took place on Thursday in the Escher Auditorim for the second year in a row and included a wide variety of entertainment including slam poetry, stand-up comedy, political activism and personal stories.
In addition to the presentation, the Hapa Project exhibit is now open to the public. It is located in whose mixed racial heritage includes Asian or Pacific Island descent, to answer the question “What are you?” in their own words through individual portraits. Although the term Hapa was once considered derogatory, people of Asian and Pacific Island descent now embrace it as a symbol of pride.
“I like to think I bring a different perspective to the table,” Fulbeck said. “I want to allow people to see that we’re all in the same boat.”
Traveling around the world, Fulbeck has photographed over 1,200 people of Asian and Pacific Island descent from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. Fulbeck has been featured on CNN, MTV and PBS, and has performed and exhibited in over 20 countries.
“What I do is a new form of artwork,” Fulbeck said. “People have a great time at the presentations, but also walk away with a whole new way of thinking. “
Fulbeck’s exhibition and presentation is being organized by several groups at CSB/SJU, including Student Activities and Leadership Development, Orientation Programming, the Intercultural Center and the International Students Program Office. Numerous other campus organizations and departments are co-sponsoring the event.
“What makes the Hapa Project so important is that it helps people from different cultures living in the United States better identify themselves as a mixed race,” SJU senior and intercultural club member John Michael said. “We’re expecting an even bigger turnout for this event the second time around.”