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By Jackie Todd, Office of Media Relations
“We’re here for the campus.” That’s what Altheia Richardson said about the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center, which recently opened its doors in a new location. The center now sits in 300 Brackett Hall.
Richardson is the executive director of the center and thinks the location and enhanced space will help provide more opportunities for students, faculty and staff.
“We’re excited about the opportunities afforded to us in our new location, she said. “Most notable is a new student lounge which gives our students an opportunity to engage with each other in an area connected to the multicultural center. This was a need that went unmet in our previous location. The new location also provides space to engage with faculty and staff from other departments, thus increasing the opportunities for collaboration on various initiatives.”
Richardson said that the relocation of the Gantt Multicultural Center was a priority for President Jim Clements and the university administration as it implements initiatives geared towards a more diverse and inclusive campus community. The relocation, she explained, was also at the forefront of the concerns expressed by students.
Larger meeting rooms, graduate student offices and a student lounge are already attracting students and others to the center.
“They’re dropping by, hanging out and connecting with the center, which is exactly what we wanted,” said Richardson.
The new center also offers a resource library, named after the late Hal Stevens, a psychologist and CAPS counselor at Redfern Health Center. Stevens was a staunch advocate of the multicultural center.
“The library offers books and materials related to multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion as well as cultural-specific information,” said Richardson. “Many of these books come from Hal’s personal collection. I think he would be proud that they are being put to good use in a place that was near and dear to his heart.”
To showcase the new space, Richardson and the multicultural center staff will hold an open house for the campus community from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 19 at the new Brackett Hall location. This drop-in style event will allow visitors to tour the space as well as meet the Gantt Center staff. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, email cugantt@clemson.edu or call 864-656-7625.
