The Collegio Pittsburg's student voice since 1916
Related Articles
There is almost always an event or activity going on in or around the campus of Pitt State. This week was no different as on Wednesday, Aug. 28, the Office of Student Diversity put together their Annual OSD Social event in the Overman Student Center.
The event is held with hopes of creating awareness of the office and its organizations and to recruit new members. The organizations included in the diversity office are Hispanics of Today (HOT), Black Student Association (BSA), and the Native American Student Association (NASA).
A portion of the social was discussing big events for the OSD. One of those being “Yell Like Hell” and the Homecoming Parade. Last year HOT and BSA, along with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, combined to partake in the performance and won in their division.
Information was given to new students about resources and services the OSD provides, such as free printing. Free printing is available for all PSU students, not just the members the organization.
One of the ways they got the students excited was to show videos and clips, and the sharing of information about other events that took place last year. Some included Gospel Explosion for the BSA and the leadership conferences that both BSA and HOT attend which are highlights of both organizations.
One of the key factors this year is to revitalize NASA and appoint their own executive members to be the forefront and voice of their organization. The OSD Social was full of interactive games, food, information for events, people to know, as well as new faces.
Emily Flores, Assistant Director of Student Diversity Programs, is new to the position but very familiar with the organization’s overall objectives, as well as the goal of the OSD social, given her previous membership of HOT.
“The purpose of the social is to rejuvenate the energy of current students and invite the exciting spirit of new students into the new year,” Flores said. “It’s a great way to kickstart a year full of academic and social affairs.”
According to returning executive member of HOT and senior Cassy Roque, the social was a “great way to start the year.”
“We just encourage everyone to create a welcoming environment where they can meet others and have fun,” Roque says.
Roque also mentions the mission of HOT, saying it’s a social organization for students to come together and plan events.
“Hispanics of Today serves as a social organization to gather students of all kinds to collaborate to host events encouraging Hispanic culture, fundraise, and provide educational programs for our school.”
This year the BSA has a lot of younger representation on their executive board with a lot of energy and drive to grow their organization. Jailyn Davis, sophomore and Vice President of BSA, shares the importance of having the event.
“It’s important because college is all about making connections and staying connected,” Davis said. “Though college is an individual journey, you don’t have to go through it all alone.”
