Tag: Community Development and Engagement

April marks a time for recognizing and celebrating the different identities within our Clemson University Community, specifically LGBTQIA+ and Asian Pacific Islander Desi-American Heritage Month.

It’s an opportunity to highlight these communities at Clemson by hosting events and ways to connect with others. By taking a moment to look at different events that are taking place during April, we can foster an inclusive environment of all cultures and practices during this month of celebration. Clemson staff members can engage with University Commissions like the LGBTQ Commission and APIDA Commission, which focus on broadening the communities and providing events for everyone to learn, grow, and engage.

Consider joining the many events at the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Center that help coordinate events focused on building community and belonging at Clemson for the LGBTQIA and APIDA community this month.

How to get involved?

Let’s Kiki About the History of House and Ballroom

Wednesday, 10 April from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Hendrix Meeting Room B

Take a lesson on the history of house music and the origins of the ballroom scene, followed by a dance lesson on ballroom dance moves!

PRIDE Trivia with U-Nites

Thursday, 11 April from 10 p.m. – midnight in The Barnes Center

Join us for a night of fun, prizes, snacks, and knowledge as we celebrate PRIDE with our trivia night with U-Nites! Get ready to put your brains to the test and show off your trivia prowess.

PRIDE Prom Disco with U-Nites

Friday, 12 April from 10 p.m. – midnight (doors open at 9 p.m.) in The Barnes Center

Step into the spotlight and dance the night away at our PRIDE Prom Disco! Get ready to groove to the beats and make unforgettable memories under the glittering lights.

Stride to PRIDE hosted by the LGBYQ+ Commission

Sunday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Botanical Gardens

Create community and connect through the Botanical Gardens while strolling or biking (no skates or skateboards allowed). Feel free to bring your picnic baskets, family, friends, or fur babies and enjoy this fun Sunday event.

Please use the hyperlinks to connect with the University Commission of The Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Center. 

Employee Appreciation Day is typically a showing of gratitude to employees for everything they contribute to an organization’s success. As we commemorate Employee Appreciation Day at Clemson, we celebrate not only your professional accomplishments but also the richness of our collective diversity.  

We want to recognize and honor every employee for their unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. Each of you plays a vital role in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Our intersections in background, culture, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, abilities, and perspectives are what make us stronger as a team and enable us to innovate, collaborate, and thrive. 

We are committed to fostering an environment where community, engagement, belonging, and access is championed. Our voices matter, and our experiences shape the Clemson Family. Together, we are building a community where everyone has access and opportunity to grow, succeed, and fulfill their potential. 

On this Employee Appreciation Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to community, engagement, belonging, and access. Let us continue to support one another, listen with empathy, and celebrate the collective strength of our community. Let us continue to foster meaningful connections, embrace diversity of thought, and cultivate a culture of belonging where everyone has a seat at the table. 

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey towards community, engagement, belonging, and access in the workplace. Together, we can create positive change and build a brighter future for all. 

Are you looking for creative ways to show appreciation to someone on your team? Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Use OURClemson Shout Outs as a medium to spotlight employees. It is as easy as completing the online Shout Out Nomination Form.
• Check out Indeed’s post about How to Show Appreciation to your Employees

Other Features from the Month of March

• Women’s History Month
• International Women’s Day (March 8):
• International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. 
• Ramadan Begins (March 10)

We value education, open and honest conversations, resource sharing, and a community of belonging. As you read and reflect, we encourage you to notice how unique perspectives can elevate your workspace and personal lives.  

While we plan to feature topics for the future, we want to hear from you. Please contact Staff Senator, Alisha Maw, at amaw@clemson.edu to share your feedback and ideas. 

With the new blog format, we will continue to use space to feature topics of inclusion and highlight upcoming cultural events, holidays, celebrations, and traditions centered on recognizing and supporting our wonderfully diverse staff here at Clemson. We value education, open and honest conversations, resource sharing, and a community of belonging. As you read and reflect, we encourage you to notice how unique perspectives can elevate your workspace and personal lives.

While we plan to feature topics for the future, we want to hear from you. Please contact Staff Senator, Alisha Maw, at amaw@clemson.edu to share your feedback and ideas.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and since 1976, this annual celebration has intentionally focused on recognizing the history, contributions, and achievements of black Americans throughout U.S. History.  This year, the theme of Black History Month is African Americans and the Arts.

There are several events planned at Clemson this year that may interest you.  Check out the dates and link below for more information:

• Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center—Black History Month 2024
  • February 7 at 5pm in the Watt Auditorium—A Black History Month Conversation with Alrinthea Carter
  • February 9 at 8pm in the Barnes Center—For the Culture: Open Mic Night
  • February 18 at 6pm in the Reeves Recruiting Lounge in Memorial Stadium—Soul Food Sunday
  • February 27 from 12pm-4pm in the Brackett Hall Atrium—Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels
• Call My Name 5K Run (registration required)
  • February 18 from 8am-10am—5K Route starting at Carillon Garden