Celebrating Our Rich Diversity

Like all the colleges and universities in the Minnesota State system, MSUM is committed to eliminating disparities in educational attainment for students who have historically been underserved by higher education: students of color, students from low income families, and students who are the first in their families to attend college. Achieving this goal, known as Equity 2030, will require sustained effort to identify and remove longstanding barriers and create an environment in which all students thrive.

Clearly, the kind of change that’s necessary goes far beyond observing cultural history months and hosting cultural nights. And, yet, such events are essential to creating a campus community in which all students see their cultural identities represented and celebrated. Two upcoming events are opportunities for the Fargo-Moorhead community to join MSUM in celebrating the diversity that enriches our community.

The first is MSUM’s annual Celebration of Nations, which will be held in the Comstock Memorial Union Ballroom on Friday, April 14 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Celebration of Nations is a family-friendly event showcasing more than 30 of the home countries for MSUM’s international students. Throughout the evening, we’ll celebrate our students’ rich and varied cultures with international cuisine, art and design, and cultural performances.

The following day, on Saturday, April 15, MSUM will host the 32^nd annual Woodlands and High Plains Powwow from noon to 10:00 p.m. Held in Nemzek Fieldhouse, the Powwow is a collaborative effort between MSUM, NDSU, Concordia College, M State, and NDSCS. Grand Entries are scheduled for 1 and 7 p.m., with a community meal at 5 p.m. My favorite element of the Powwow is the honor dance for American Indian students who will be graduating from area high schools and colleges this spring.

We’d love to have you join us at one or both of these events.

Dr. Anne Blackhurst served as Minnesota State University Moorhead’s 11th president from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2023.