Wilkes University has more than 80 clubs to join, many of which celebrate the unique differences of the campus community members. They encourage participants to explore different cultures and identities.
Of all the different groups on campus, only the Multicultural Student Coalition, or MSC, is solely dedicated to celebrating multiculturalism in all its forms.
“We have such a unique experience at Wilkes that MSC gets the privilege of taking a deeper dive into when we learn and share all of our cultural, ethnic, and diverse backgrounds with one another,” said Kathrine Ermeus, senior political science major, and president of MSC. “This is MSC. It’s not just what we do, but it’s who we are.”
Erica Acosta, the director of diversity initiatives and advisor for MSC further elaborated.
“This club differs because it focuses on being the umbrella for multiculturalism,” said Acosta. “This club highlights and educates the community on cultural awareness and promotes diversity inclusion.”
With so many clubs that focus on diversity on campus, there are aspects of MSC that make it stand out from others.
“Having groups that focus on diversity here at Wilkes helps to educate the community on these topics,” said Starr Sandt, vice president of MSC and junior psychology major. “While the education aspect is important, having these groups that focus on diversity allow the creation of an inclusive space where everyone can feel like they have a home within Wilkes community.”
Sandt explained that she got involved with MSC because of Acosta.
“I was speaking with her during my first year here at Wilkes and she told me about a club that she thought that I would enjoy being a part of, and that club happened to be MSC,” said Sandt. “She later introduced me to our president Kathrine Ermeus and the rest was history.”
MSC hosts a variety of events, ranging from fun with pumpkin carvings, one world, and the annual talent show, to serious, with regular “real talks,” which gives students a safe space to come and talk honestly about different topics, from professional etiquette to celebrating Hispanic heritage.
MSC plans to continue with its yearly tradition.
“We want to be more communicative with our General Board this year and really reach the masses = as a club,” said Ermeus.
“So if anyone is interested, don’t be shy, come say hi,” Sandt added. “We try to make diversity, equity, and inclusion less of a ‘scary’ topic to talk about and if there are any events that you want to see on campus, please let us know about them and we will make them happen to the best of our ability.”
MSC meets from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month in the Savitz Lounge on the second floor of the SUB.
To get involved with MSC, you can email [email protected] or [email protected]. Keep up to date, on Instagram @wilkes_msc.