May 07, 2008
Intercultural Dialogue student group honored
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The winner of the 2007-2008 Spirit of Diversity Award, presented by Southern Illinois University Carbondale's student development office, is the Intercultural Dialogue Student Association.
The award recognizes the registered student organization best exemplifying a commitment to and support of diversity with its programs and activities during the past year. The University boasts more than 400 registered student organizations. The annual Celebration of Leadership and Involvement Reception at the SIUC Student Center April 23 included the award to the Intercultural Dialogue Student Association, more commonly referred to as IDSA.
The award recognizes IDSA's efforts on behalf of the SIUC goal of fostering a multicultural community and valuing and celebrating diversity on and off the Carbondale campus. The goal of IDSA is "promoting dialogue, tolerance, and understanding among students of diverse culture," according to its Web site.
The new group wasted no time in beginning the "Learn a Language, Learn a Culture" program. It's all about bringing together people interested in learning and teaching languages and cultures, enhancing the multicultural exchange and community.
The group participated in "International Dialogue on Faith: Women's and Men's Perspectives" organized by the SIUC Office of International Students and Scholars. Aslihan Akkaya, vice president of IDSA, participated in the panel in Harrisburg discussing how cultures and various religions affect one another from male and female perspectives.
The IDSA also organized an Abrahamic Dinner in conjunction with the Interfaith Council's Interfaith Week with Jews, Christians and Muslims attending and offering differing perspectives regarding Abraham. More than 70 people from SIUC and the community attended.
Kemal Akkaya, computer science assistant professor, is the faculty adviser for IDSA.
Also during the awards ceremony, 59 recipients claimed Multi-Ethnic Academic Excellence Awards. Each received a certificate and a lapel pin.
Student Development-Multicultural Programs and Services also noted with sadness during the awards presentation that Paulette Curkin, coordinator for Student Development and the GLBT Resource Center, will be retiring soon.