It's been an evolution. MACO's primary focus is helping out multicultural U.S. domestic students in their college transition. We do that through a number of initiatives on campus. We provide support to minority students through several orientation programs. In addition, we're a source for information about multicultural events, both for the campus and the greater community.

We're part of the Northfield diversity initiative, and we've set up a number of workshops relating to issues of cultural awareness and diversity with the Northfield community. We've done cultural heritage workshops in Rice County and worked with Catholic Charities in Faribault facilitating discussions on diversity and racism in the workplace. MACO has also represented the college in community ethnic celebrations. For example, we were recently involved in the planning and coordination of Northfield's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.

One of our goals is to work with students -- both in classrooms and in dorms -- and also with staff and faculty to understand the dynamics of cultural awareness. We try to facilitate discussion about self-awareness and cultural awareness and how those play a role in different communities.

Black History Month is an opportunity to create a sense of awareness within college communities to the African and African-American experience. Many students don't have a sense of this history. The great challenge, then, is to build a bridge between cultures and to inspire cultural confidence in students.

Over the past decade, there's been an influx of African immigrants in the United States, and this has resulted in some conflict between African and African-American cultures. One thing we wanted to do with this year's Black History Month was to talk about these differences. We wanted to celebrate the common history these groups have and alleviate the myths permeated by the lack of understanding and perception.

One of the highlights of Black History Month has been the annual banquet. We use this as an opportunity to recognize alumni of color and their contributions. Last year we honored Ron Hunter '70, a current member of the Board of Regents and an African American, for his work with St. Olaf and his involvement in his own community. We try to have these banquets to celebrate all ethnic groups, as a chance for us to reach out and reconnect.

Originally, both were meant to convey an idea of community. Some people felt that the term "diversity" had come to be over-utilized, though. In some ways, it had become a handicap, because it took on political associations, and some people could only see these associations. The term "inclusivity" refreshed the idea of looking at diversity. It's a better community term, without the politicized edge. It's much like the term "African American" coming to replace "black." It re-defines a sense of cultural identity and purpose. Inclusivity is a more progressive and global term.

Pete Sandberg (assistant vice president for facilities) and some students and I went to New Orleans and Biloxi to establish an outreach. We got firsthand exposure to what people there have experienced since Katrina and a sense of the needs they have and will continue to have for some time. Very little has been done in the restoration process; there's a draught in human resources and without people, the city can't rebuild.

We intend to return to the Gulf Port area over spring break with at least 100 students to work with Lutheran Disaster Relief. Students will live and work in "tent city," where they'll help with restoration projects and assist with paper work to help people get services and re-enter the community.

I'm greatly encouraged about where St. Olaf is going with diversity and multicultural programs. The establishment of the Office of Community Life and Diversity in 2000 has given us the ability to create a community where we can celebrate, educate and appreciate diversity. Diversity is important to the mission of St. Olaf in preparing young men and women for lives of worth and service. The world is changing, and to be effective students have to get a sense of different cultures and the global community.