The Linfield College community celebrated the opening of two multicultural centers, one in McMinnville and the other in Portland.
In Portland, the dedication was held Wednesday, Sept. 21, at noon in Suite 34 Loveridge Hall. In McMinnville, it was held Friday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m. in Withnell Commons.
The centers, a result of feedback from campus-wide diversity forums held last year, will provide space for students to learn from each other and celebrate differences, as well as engage in open dialogue about diversity. The areas will also encourage collaboration and empower all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
“We are very excited for these campus spaces,” said Jason Rodriquez, director of multicultural programs. “The centers provide an opportunity for intercultural dialogue and programming, and will help further the mission and goals of the college, particularly with creating a more inclusive campus.”
Janeth Macias, coordinator of multicultural programs on the Portland Campus, said the center will be an additional resource to further enrich the social and academic experience for nursing students.
“With the increase of diversity on both Linfield campuses, it is essential to provide a space where people can come together and learn about one another culturally,” she added.
Linfield tied for first among liberal arts colleges in Oregon and Washington in the 2016 U.S. News and World Report Best Ethnic Diversity list. In August, the college also offered a Spanish-language orientation program for new students and their families for the second consecutive year.
For more information, contact Rodriquez in McMinnville at 503-883-2574, jrodriqu@linfield.edu, or Macias in Portland at 503-413-7273, jmacias@linfield.edu.
