Belonging Week 2025, set for Aug. 25-29 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is a celebration of diversity, inclusion and equity.
The theme is “Southern. You Belong Here.” The special events are designed to enhance connections, support a community of belonging and create safe places for all to be seen, heard and valued. Plans include guest speakers, presentations, a special project and more.
“At Southern, we seek to ensure that students of all backgrounds and identities feel connected, valued, safe and supported,” said Renada Greer, executive director of the Student Multicultural Resource Center and TRiO Student Support Services. “We know a strong sense of belonging fosters inclusion and strengthens our community.”
Nearly all events are free and open to the public. The exception is an Aug. 28 virtual meeting of the Illinois Chapter: ACE Women’s Network committee.
Shindale SealeShindale Seale, a vocal proponent of organizational transformation and creator of the Cultural Equity Through Adaptive Change Management (CETACM) framework, will be the keynote speaker. She will address “Seeds of Success: How to Grow Together in Your SIU Ecosystem” during a lunch and learn event from noon to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 28 in the Old Main Room at the Student Center.
Seale is convinced that sustainable cultural change requires economic empowerment, a philosophy she has applied for more than 30 years in corporate, academic and nonprofit organization leadership. The University of Redlands adjunct professor of leadership has helped transform diverse areas, including education, to create opportunities for marginalized groups while improving organizational performance.
Sherrica HuntSherrica Hunt, the SIU Foundation’s assistant vice chancellor for affinity, philanthropy and strategic initiatives/chief diversity officer, will be the guest speaker for the fourth annual Women of Action Ceremony, which recognizes the work of women throughout the region. The event is Aug. 26 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Ballroom B in the Student Center.
The theme, “The Power of One, the Strength of Many,” recognizes the impact individual and collective actions have on bringing about positive community change. SIU established the awards in 2022 to recognize women with diverse backgrounds for their achievements and contributions to the SIU community and the greater region.
Other highlights
Belonging Week kicks off with the Student Multicultural Resource Center Welcome Back Bash, 2-4 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Student Services Building pavilion. This event offers Salukis the chance to learn all about the SMRC resources while enjoying free food and games with Hony Beez Snow Cones, Mr. Twist Balloons and more.
“Bystander to Upsander: Preventing Harm in Public Spaces” is a training session offered by the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crime. Set for noon to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 26 in Rooms 150/160 at the Student Services Building, the session will focus on keeping people safe in public areas.
A favorite event in recent years, the “Diversity Is” poster making event returns in 2025. Everyone is invited to stop by Faner Hall breezeway between 2 and 4 p.m. Aug. 28 for this interactive art installation that encourages participants to share their thoughts on diversity.
Find the complete schedule of events and additional information at diversity.siu.edu/diversity-week. Email diversity@siu.edu or call 618-453-1186 with questions.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is coordinating the celebration.
