November 8, 2006

Purdue Black Cultural Center recognized for growing mission

"The Black Cultural Center has become an important part of the academic experience for all students and one of the keys to success for African-American students," said Provost Sally Mason, whose office will now oversee the center. "The center offers such rich programming, performing arts education, student activities and programs. It is at the forefront of our diversity efforts and a model for others to follow."

The Purdue Memorial Union had managed the center, now at 1100 Third St., since it was founded 37 years ago.

"Much of the center's success is due to its director, Renee Thomas, and to the vision of the Memorial Union staff, including the Union's current director, Robert Mindrum," Mason said. "Together they have built a program that is nationally recognized as one of the very best."

The university values the center not only for making the campus more welcoming to African-Americans, but also as a catalyst for understanding, she said.

"Purdue is very committed to the Black Cultural Center, as well as our Latino Cultural Center, which my office also oversees," Mason said. "Their missions are to help all students gain a greater understanding of our heritages and enhance cultural diversity, both on campus and throughout the community."

The new reporting structure will result in no change in operations or budgets for the center, but will open doors to new opportunities, Mason said.

"I hope that one of the benefits of the realignment will be increased opportunities for partnerships with academic departments and other units that offer cultural and educational programming," she said.

Writer: Jeanne Norberg, (765) 494-2084, jnorberg@purdue.edu

Source: Sally Mason, (765) 494-9709

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

To the News Service home page