CU student groups aim for diversity

By BONNIE BOST
Reporter

Last school year, a prospective student visited Creighton with his family. The student decided not to attend Creighton because he and his family felt that the Omaha community and Creighton were not diverse enough.

Teri Dameron, coordinator of multicultural student services at Creighton, said the current school district controversy likely influenced the student’s decision. 

“I think they were particularly concerned when they heard about [LB 1024] on the national news,” Dameron said.

Though Omaha may not be as diverse as other areas, many people at Creighton are working to celebrate diversity on campus. Creighton organizations hope to give students a glimpse of other cultures and encourage them to become involved in the Omaha community.

The Creighton University African-American Student Association puts on programming year-round to educate Creighton about African-American culture. Two of their major events are the annual Soul Food Dinner and Gospelfest. CUASA also is active in the community through volunteer work.

“Last year we began the Saratoga reading program in which the CUASA members tutored fifth grade kids once a week,” said Brandy Bush, Creighton graduate student and president of CUASA.

The Creighton Center for Service and Justice is another organization on campus that promotes community service based on Catholic social teaching, with and on behalf of the poor.

“We engage students in communities that are economically disadvantaged, which often corresponds with issues of racial and ethnic diversity,” said CCSJ Associate Director Ken Reed-Bouley. “Since Creighton is an urban institution, it is geographically located very close to north and south Omaha.”

The CCSJ provides students with weekly service opportunities including volunteering at the Siena Francis House, teaching English at South High School and working with the Sudanese community.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs focuses on bringing lectures, performances, plays, and photo exhibits to campus to promote diversity. They sponsor events such as the All-Nations Powwow, Hawaiian Luau and Campustown retreat. Calendars are available in their office, located in Lower Brandeis. Students are encouraged to volunteer and assist with events.