West Kentucky Community and Technical College kicks off its spring 2015 diversity and inclusion program series this month.
The series is a collaboration between the WKCTC’s student development and cultural diversity offices, the Student Multicultural Appreciation Club and the Campus Diversity and Inclusion committee. The programs are designed to reflect the college’s commitment to create and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming college environment.
Programs are held on the WKCTC campus and various locations in the community.
The programs for January – June on the WKCTC Campus are as follows.
January 23
Safe Zone Ally Reception
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Anderson Technical Building Bistro
Members of the college community provide a safe zone to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) student population. The college strives to build trust, support, and a space for celebrating differences, learning, and discovering self-identity. Any LGBT student who experiences challenges will be able to identify safe support systems to build self-confidence and overcome barriers to achievement.
January 28
Obesity, Culture and Health
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Emerging Technology Center, Room 109
According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. This presentation will identify effective interventions that encourage healthy, eating habits as well as ways to stay in shape. Participants will learn how to improve health through exercise. Presenters will be Tammy Johnson, a nutritionist at Achieve Medical Weight Loss and Greg Vaughn, fitness manager at Stay Fit 24.
January-May, every Wednesday afternoon
Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World
1 – 2 p.m., Anderson Technical Building, Room 142
Are you from a low-income family? Learn what it really takes to get ahead. Topics include community resources, resource building, and the hidden rules of economic class. Seminars will be held every Wednesday. Call Jennifer Etherton at 270-534-3257 to register or for more information. Workshops begins January 14.
February 4
Heart Disease: Women’s Number One Health Threat — A Wake-Up Call Workshop
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Crounse Hall, Room 101
During this one-hour presentation, a mother and daughter will heighten the awareness of heart disease as the number one cause of death in American women. WKCTC’s Chevene Duncan-Herring will discuss her experiences as a survivor of a heart attack at age of 34 and eleven years later surviving triple bypass heart surgery. Her daughter, Verneda Herring, a board certified family nurse practitioner, will discuss how important it is for women to have ongoing dialogue with their medical providers related to heart issues to determine their risk level.
February 13
Blind Boys of Alabama
7:30 p.m., Clemens Fine Arts Center
Blind Boys of Alabama, a gospel music tradition, first sang together in 1944 at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind. Five-time Grammy winners, the group features eight musicians, including four blind singers. Original member Jimmy Carter is still touring with the group and going strong! Watch for their latest album, I’ll Find a Way, produced by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Purchase tickets at artsinfocus.org or by calling (270) 534-3212. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
February 18
Chinese New Year Celebration – Year of the Sheep
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Student Center
Activities planned for this year’s Chinese New Year Celebration include a performance and information about the year of the sheep, translating English names to Chinese, a presentation about tea culture and a demonstration of how to make South Korean Sushi.
February 25
Jabali Afrika
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Student Center
Jabali is Kiswahili, Kenya’s national language for “rock.” Jabali Afrika, from east Africa’s Kenya, is a multi-faceted group with its own unique mixture of fusion and African rhythms. Original compositions and traditional African rhythms come alive on a wide variety of instruments, accompanied by vocal harmonies that form the foundation of modern rock, jazz, blues and more.
Dancing and choreography with traditional African tribal costumes will provide the audience with a multicultural experience.
March 2
In My Shoes: Families Brought Together Through Adoption
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Crounse Hall, Room 101
According to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, around 2% of the U.S. population under 18 is adopted. This panel discussion will include both adoptive parents and people who were adopted. Panelists will share their experiences and their advice. A short question-answer time will follow the discussion.
March 4
Domestic Violence Doesn’t Discriminate
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Emerging Technology Center, Room 109
The impact of violence can affects the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of victims and families. During this presentation, Mary Foley, executive director of Merryman House, will define domestic violence and discuss the services provided by the organization including counseling, employment assistance, and safe shelter.
March 28
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story
3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Clemens Fine Arts Center
One of the world’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll musicals continues to thrill audiences around the world! Buddy tells the story of Buddy Holly through his short yet spectacular career, and features the classic song including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day,” “Not Fade Away,” “Oh Boy,” Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” and The Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace.” Purchase tickets at artsinfocus.org or by calling (270) 534-3212. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
April 2
Hope Unlimited Family Care Center
1 – 2:30 p.m., Emerging Technology Center, Room 109
During the presentation, participants will learn about Hope Unlimited Family Care Center’s Paducah and Metropolis, Ill., locations that provide faith based hope to individuals and families including making responsible choices, pregnancy, planned parenthood, post-abortion trauma, sexual purity, adoption, under-employment or unemployment.
April 8
Service Learning Abroad in El Salvador
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Matheson Library
WKCTC students will share reflections on service learning experiences abroad in El Salvador. The discussion topics may include self-awareness, world injustice, relationship building, privileges, poverty, and understanding hardships and joys from other’s reality. Students express what is at the heart of service learning and recognize how to use their talents and knowledge to create a better world.
April 24
Feet Don’t Fail Me Now
7:30 p.m., Clemens Fine Arts Center
Feet Don’t Fail Me Now is rapid-fire tap dance with high-spirited humor and finger-snapping tunes. Accompanied by a full band, the show treats the audience to a creative experience. In addition to the performance, the Rhythmic Circus Company will also conduct a tap dance workshop on April 24 in the Clemens Fine Arts Center. Purchase tickets at artsinfocus.org or by calling (270) 534-3212. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. For information, contact Gail Robinson-Butler, WKCTC Clemens Fine Arts Center director, at gail.robinson@kctcs.edu.
Several programs will also be produced on WKCTC’s Channel 2 to discuss overcoming poverty including Poverty-Mindedness, Identifying Barriers Experiencing Success, and Persisting in the Face of Adversity. Check local listings for program dates and times.
For more information about WKCTC diversity and inclusion programs, contact Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell at (270) 534-3081 or belinda.dalton-russell@kctcs.edu. A complete list off-campus programs can be found here.
The series is a collaboration between the WKCTC’s student development and cultural diversity offices, the Student Multicultural Appreciation Club and the Campus Diversity and Inclusion committee. The programs are designed to reflect the college’s commitment to create and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming college environment.
Programs are held on the WKCTC campus and various locations in the community.
The programs for January – June on the WKCTC Campus are as follows.
January 23
Safe Zone Ally Reception
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Anderson Technical Building Bistro
Members of the college community provide a safe zone to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) student population. The college strives to build trust, support, and a space for celebrating differences, learning, and discovering self-identity. Any LGBT student who experiences challenges will be able to identify safe support systems to build self-confidence and overcome barriers to achievement.
January 28
Obesity, Culture and Health
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Emerging Technology Center, Room 109
According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. This presentation will identify effective interventions that encourage healthy, eating habits as well as ways to stay in shape. Participants will learn how to improve health through exercise. Presenters will be Tammy Johnson, a nutritionist at Achieve Medical Weight Loss and Greg Vaughn, fitness manager at Stay Fit 24.
January-May, every Wednesday afternoon
Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World
1 – 2 p.m., Anderson Technical Building, Room 142
Are you from a low-income family? Learn what it really takes to get ahead. Topics include community resources, resource building, and the hidden rules of economic class. Seminars will be held every Wednesday. Call Jennifer Etherton at 270-534-3257 to register or for more information. Workshops begins January 14.
February 4
Heart Disease: Women’s Number One Health Threat — A Wake-Up Call Workshop
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Crounse Hall, Room 101
During this one-hour presentation, a mother and daughter will heighten the awareness of heart disease as the number one cause of death in American women. WKCTC’s Chevene Duncan-Herring will discuss her experiences as a survivor of a heart attack at age of 34 and eleven years later surviving triple bypass heart surgery. Her daughter, Verneda Herring, a board certified family nurse practitioner, will discuss how important it is for women to have ongoing dialogue with their medical providers related to heart issues to determine their risk level.
February 13
Blind Boys of Alabama
7:30 p.m., Clemens Fine Arts Center
Blind Boys of Alabama, a gospel music tradition, first sang together in 1944 at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind. Five-time Grammy winners, the group features eight musicians, including four blind singers. Original member Jimmy Carter is still touring with the group and going strong! Watch for their latest album, I’ll Find a Way, produced by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Purchase tickets at artsinfocus.org or by calling (270) 534-3212. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
February 18
Chinese New Year Celebration – Year of the Sheep
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Student Center
Activities planned for this year’s Chinese New Year Celebration include a performance and information about the year of the sheep, translating English names to Chinese, a presentation about tea culture and a demonstration of how to make South Korean Sushi.
February 25
Jabali Afrika
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Student Center
Jabali is Kiswahili, Kenya’s national language for “rock.” Jabali Afrika, from east Africa’s Kenya, is a multi-faceted group with its own unique mixture of fusion and African rhythms. Original compositions and traditional African rhythms come alive on a wide variety of instruments, accompanied by vocal harmonies that form the foundation of modern rock, jazz, blues and more.
Dancing and choreography with traditional African tribal costumes will provide the audience with a multicultural experience.
March 2
In My Shoes: Families Brought Together Through Adoption
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Crounse Hall, Room 101
According to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, around 2% of the U.S. population under 18 is adopted. This panel discussion will include both adoptive parents and people who were adopted. Panelists will share their experiences and their advice. A short question-answer time will follow the discussion.
March 4
Domestic Violence Doesn’t Discriminate
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Emerging Technology Center, Room 109
The impact of violence can affects the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of victims and families. During this presentation, Mary Foley, executive director of Merryman House, will define domestic violence and discuss the services provided by the organization including counseling, employment assistance, and safe shelter.
March 28
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story
3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Clemens Fine Arts Center
One of the world’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll musicals continues to thrill audiences around the world! Buddy tells the story of Buddy Holly through his short yet spectacular career, and features the classic song including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day,” “Not Fade Away,” “Oh Boy,” Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” and The Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace.” Purchase tickets at artsinfocus.org or by calling (270) 534-3212. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
April 2
Hope Unlimited Family Care Center
1 – 2:30 p.m., Emerging Technology Center, Room 109
During the presentation, participants will learn about Hope Unlimited Family Care Center’s Paducah and Metropolis, Ill., locations that provide faith based hope to individuals and families including making responsible choices, pregnancy, planned parenthood, post-abortion trauma, sexual purity, adoption, under-employment or unemployment.
April 8
Service Learning Abroad in El Salvador
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Matheson Library
WKCTC students will share reflections on service learning experiences abroad in El Salvador. The discussion topics may include self-awareness, world injustice, relationship building, privileges, poverty, and understanding hardships and joys from other’s reality. Students express what is at the heart of service learning and recognize how to use their talents and knowledge to create a better world.
April 24
Feet Don’t Fail Me Now
7:30 p.m., Clemens Fine Arts Center
Feet Don’t Fail Me Now is rapid-fire tap dance with high-spirited humor and finger-snapping tunes. Accompanied by a full band, the show treats the audience to a creative experience. In addition to the performance, the Rhythmic Circus Company will also conduct a tap dance workshop on April 24 in the Clemens Fine Arts Center. Purchase tickets at artsinfocus.org or by calling (270) 534-3212. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. For information, contact Gail Robinson-Butler, WKCTC Clemens Fine Arts Center director, at gail.robinson@kctcs.edu.
Several programs will also be produced on WKCTC’s Channel 2 to discuss overcoming poverty including Poverty-Mindedness, Identifying Barriers Experiencing Success, and Persisting in the Face of Adversity. Check local listings for program dates and times.
For more information about WKCTC diversity and inclusion programs, contact Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell at (270) 534-3081 or belinda.dalton-russell@kctcs.edu. A complete list off-campus programs can be found here.