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Building a stronger campus

We make a point to celebrate and acknowledge diverse populations throughout the year at UW-Eau Claire. Events are designed to educate our campus community and honor the histories, struggles, and accomplishments of people from a range of marginalized populations. We understand that it is our differences that can make us a stronger campus and our continuous priority is for all Blugold students, faculty, and staff to feel validated and valued.

Annual diversity celebrations and recognitions

  • LatinX Heritage Month
  • Indigenous People's Day
  • Honoring Education Pow Wow
  • National Coming Out Day
  • Latin American and Latinx Studies Week
  • Schneider Disability Forum
  • American Indian Heritage Month
  • MLK Celebration
  • Black History Month
  • Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Culture Fest
  • Forum and Artist Series
  • FREAQWEEK
  • Fire Ball
  • Hmong Heritage Month
  • Sabor Latin[eau]
  • Harambee
  • Native American Heritage Month

Before I came to UW-Eau Claire, I didn’t think much about my cultural identity. Now, I cherish my culture. I’m committed to being an advocate for marginalized communities.

Erika Nguyen Psychology

Blugolds helping Blugolds

There is a long and proud history at UW-Eau Claire of Blugolds helping Blugolds — students eager to make change, help others be heard, and make UW-Eau Claire an even better place for all its students. 

Hear from recent Blugolds on what inspired them to be leaders — and all they are doing to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion here on campus and in our community. 

Making an impact

It's not surprising that Alejandra Serna is so passionate about her research project, “A Walk in Her Shoes: How Women of Color Navigate a Predominately White Institution.” After all, the UW-Eau Claire senior — a first-generation Mexican American who grew up in a suburb of Chicago — has been walking in those very shoes the last four years.

Now, she's using what she's learned to make a difference, hoping to make a positive change for underrepresented populations on campus and in the community.

Lidixe Montoya

UWEC alumna pays it forward

Lidixe Montoya appreciates her UW-Eau Claire education and wants to give other Latinx students the same opportunity. That's why she has started the Neighbor To Neighbor Scholarship for members of the Latinx Student Association at UW-Eau Claire.

Learn more about the scholarship Lidixe helped create
Erika Nguyen found a passion for psychology, research and advocacy during her years as a Blugold.

Raising her voice to make change

At UW-Eau Claire, Erika Nguyen has found a new confidence — and a louder voice — that is helping her better advocate for herself and others, especially when it comes to issues around equity, diversity and inclusivity.

See how Erika is making a difference
Tou Ger “Billy” Lor performs a healing ceremony in front of an altar as he serves the Hmong community in his role as a shaman.

A student and a healer

Tou Ger “Billy” Lor is successfully juggling his roles as both a college student and a shaman, spending his weekdays immersed in schoolwork and campus activities, and his weekends helping Hmong community members find peace and good health.

Read how Tou Ger “Billy” is helping others
Alex Hintz worked throughout his college years to become more culturally competent and to understand his white privilege. He’s eager to share what he’s learned with his future students.

Building cultural competence

During his years as a Blugold, Alex Hintz worked to build his understanding of diverse populations so he could be a stronger ally for people of color and better meet the needs of his future students.

See how Alex is educating himself, to better educate others
Students walking to Davies Center

Helping fellow Blugolds

Criminal justice major Taz Smith recently created a new program called Fostering Success, aimed at providing resources and support for Blugolds who are former foster youth and/or identify as homeless.

Learn how Taz is helping provide hope and resources
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