Annual event celebrates cultural diversity at medical school

University community invited to attend Multicultural Extravaganza

(Athens, OH –2.16.12) The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine invites the university community to share in a celebration of the college’s cultural diversity during the annual Multicultural Extravaganza on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 11:45 a.m., Irvine Hall 194.

“The Multicultural Extravaganza is a unique high energy event that fosters comradery and provides the opportunity to experience the cultures represented here at the university, but also OU-HCOM,” explained Shinelle Caldwell, OMS II, co-coordinator of this year’s event.

Sponsored by the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter at OU-HCOM, the noon event features a smorgasbord of food from around the world prepared by students and staff from the college, along with entertainment by medical students, which will include singing, dancing, poetry readings and a fashion show of garments from various cultures.

“The Multicultural Extravaganza is an unique high energy event that fosters comradely and provides the opportunity to experience the cultures represented here at the university, but also OU-HCOM. “ There will be traditional fashion from various countries including India, Ghana, and Lithuania. The talent showcase will include belly dancing, modern dance, and African American interpretive dance and song.”

Underrepresented minority students make up 24 percent of this year’s OU-HCOM’s current first-year class, and reflect key priorities of the college’s mission by embracing diversity and improving the well-being of underserved populations.

OU-HCOM integrates cultural competency training and opportunities for minority health research into its curricula, said Alicia Boards, assistant director of cultural affairs. The college also offers scholarships and summer programming to increase access and success rates for both economically disadvantaged and underrepresented minority students.

Tickets for the event, which includes lunch served at 11:45 a.m., are $5 at the door, or $4 with a donation of a canned food item, which will be given to patients in the college’s Diabetes Free Clinic.