Multicultural club, address by Concordia’s president to make a return, according to Student Senate

A bulletin board in J-Top showcasing descriptions of all of Concordia’s campus clubs.

Photo credit: Nora Betts

By Nora Betts

Managing Editor

A multicultural club has returned to Concordia’s campus with the approval of Christ, Cultures, & Connections at Tuesday’s Student Senate meeting. Sophomore Sionie Marin said the new club aims to provide a “bridge between domestic and international students” and connect people from groups across campus to share in cultural appreciation.

Concordia used to have a multicultural club, but a lack of student involvement caused it to disappear in recent years. Marin, who is American and Haitian, said she became friends with several international students over the school year who wanted to re-institute the club.

The idea began when Marin and her friends were arguing over what country makes the best food. After reminiscing about their favorite meals and their multicultural clubs in high school, Marin said they wanted to provide Concordia students with similar opportunities.

Ideas for CCC fellowship on campus include ethnic food events and dance classes, such as learning salsa or bachata. Marin said CCC is open to hosting whatever events people are passionate about.

“I really want to push cultural food,” she said. “I think if you have good food and it’s free and we’re college students, everyone’s gonna come and everyone’s gonna talk. I think we can’t go wrong with that.”

Marin said CCC would allow international students to bring a piece of their home to campus. Students from foreign countries may feel homesick at Concordia, so CCC would help them build community and share their cultural pride.

Marin also said that Christians will not be good at sharing the Gospel if they don’t know how to interact with people from other cultures. All students “need to learn about other people and learn how to interact with them and understand them” for the sake of proclaiming Christianity.

Any student is welcome to participate in club events, share elements of his or her own culture, and appreciate the cultures of others. Marin wants people from all parts of campus, from sports to music to churchwork, to “come and hang out, eat good food, and learn about other cultures.”

“I think it’s gonna be a good way to improve everyone’s skillset and improve Concordia’s community,” she said.

Senate officers also announced at Tuesday’s meeting that President Bernard Bull and Chief Financial Officer Dave Kumm will give a school address on April 1 regarding tuition and campus plans. The Senate will advertise the event, which is planned for 6:15 p.m. on that Tuesday in Thom auditorium.

A campus address from Concordia’s president is a Student Senate tradition that was lost after the COVID-19 pandemic, said Vice President Quinlan Hendrickson.

“This is something that they used to do to talk about tuition, to talk about the plan for the school for the future, and letting students know what’s happening,” Hendrickson said.

Treasurer Emma VanTol said the address should cover topics like the new bookstore contract and any increase in student tuition.

“This is a way we’re trying to connect all the parts of campus, [to connect] the students with some of the higher-ups, trying to be that middle ground,” said VanTol.