"Diwali... is a significant festival for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil."
- Mihir Katre, Indian Student Organization President
Celebrate Your Heritage
The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) offers an array of facilities and services to empower historically underrepresented students and organizations. Reflecting on UAlbany’s dedication to social justice and diversity, we create an inclusive environment where you can truly be yourself as you learn and grow.
The MRC provides:
- A Learning Loft behind the MRC information desk accommodating 10 to 15 people, with three workstations, coffee and loose-leaf tea
- Scholarship access
- Award and recognition ceremonies
- Employment opportunities
- An Inclusion Lounge to the right of the MRC, providing space for up to eight people with a brainstorming table, games, DVDs, Netflix and HBO Max
- A directory of local cultural businesses
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What is Diwali?
What is Diwali?
Awards and Celebrations
awards
Spellman Achievement Awards
The Spellman Achievement Awards recognize the accomplishments of undergraduates of African, Latino, Asian and Native American descent in the areas of academic achievement, community service and leadership. In 1991, both the program and the awards presented were named in honor of one of the University’s most highly regarded colleagues, the late Dr. Seth Spellman, Jr.
Heritage Months
In the United States, Heritage Months celebrate various ethnic and marginalized groups by educating people about their contributions to American History.
- February - Black History Month
- March - Women's History Month
- April - Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- September - Hispanic Heritage Month
- November - Native American Heritage Month
Ongoing Heritage Events
The MRC hosts periodic events recognizing cultural history and traditions. Programs include:
- Tasty Tuesday, Tuesdays 2 to 3 p.m.
Conversations with MRC staff on topics including student power, community leadership, accessibility on campus and ways to overcome generational traumas. - QTPOC Biweekly Dinner
UAlbany Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) supports students who identify as queer/trans/genderqueer people of color. The QTPOC dinner, a collaboration between the Pride Alliance, Gender & Sexuality Resource Center and Women’s Resource Center, is for queer people of color to build community and celebrate their identities. - Family Movie Nights
Enjoy quality family time with your MRC family by joining us for a movie and discussion.
Cultural Carnival
A free celebration at UAlbany for more than 20 years, the Spring semester Cultural Carnival promotes understanding and appreciation of different cultures through food, music, games, dance and more. It’s organized by a variety of student organizations, drawing from international, cultural, gender and sexuality and faith-based student groups.
Connections Peer Educators
The Connections Peer Educator program enhances the cultural competency and awareness of the UAlbany community. It promotes a deep appreciation of differences in physical and mental abilities, culture, race, ethnicity, religion, language, national origin, sexual orientation, gender and economic status while providing a forum to discuss social issues and their impact.
This program trains students seeking leadership experience related to diversity and inclusion to become peer facilitators of educational workshops and dialogue to promote diversity and inclusion.
We use the Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR) as a foundation for all dialogues, but facilitators are also trained using other diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) or social justice models. All ISE social justice peer educator-based programming, including “Intersections," will become part of the Connections program.
connections