Rain could not stop the Shippensburg University community from coming out to support inclusivity and strength in turbulent times during the quilt reveal celebration at Gilbert Hall on Oct. 16.
The Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) and the ACT Committee collaborated to create a project to showcase the spirit of unity and the fight for justice at SU.
Together, the organizations designed a quilt as a symbol of unity, wanting SU to be a safe, warm place for students of different backgrounds to work together.
“To me, this whole unveiling of the quilt is a representation of everything coming together on campus and making a commitment to make [SU] a more inclusive place and [a] healthier, safer campus,” student Ramses Ovalles said.
It took five days to complete the quilt, featuring different pieces of fabric from several organizations on campus, including Greek Life, Student Government Association (SGA), residence halls etc., pledging to be more inclusive.
“The quilt means family to me,” student Tyler Hill said. “I think it is much needed [especially] with the national division that is going on at the moment. It is the time to love one another and be there for one another.”
SU President Laurie Carter made an appearance at the celebration, showing admiration for the work done on the quilt and being proud of the SU community for trying to defeat systematic racism and discrimination.
“We have champions that are here to support and those contributions have created a blanket of protection through the years that [will] serve to cover us as we walk through these challenging times,” Carter said.
The event’s facilitator, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) Director Diane Jefferson, was at a loss for words as she was overwhelmed by the love and work students put into making quilts and how the community is ready to make a change.
Jefferson gave special thanks to SGA’s Association Vice President of External Affairs Lance Hines-Butts, Chief Diversity Officer Stephanie Jirard and to the students who worked on the quilt for their contributions to the cause.
In addition to the quilt reveal, MSA proudly asked attendees to take a tour of the newly renovated Gilbert Hall, which features the only mural on campus.
The quilt will be placed in Gilbert Hall as a representation of unity and protection from injustices for years to come.
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