By Josh Mackey and Cheryl Crutcher
Diversity Coordinators
Phoenix College

Representatives from the Chancellor's Office and MCBAA recently gathered to cement the historic articulation agreement between Maricopa and MVSU. Shown are (left to right): Dr. Jose Leyba, exec. assistant to Vice-Chancellor Phil Randolph; Dr. Camilla Westenberg, Phoenix College English faculty; Wilfred McFadden, PC chief of safety; Al Battle, PC Learning Technologies Development, MCCCD Vice Chancellor Phil Randolph; Michele Hoskins, Student Development Services at CGCC.

On a campus where more than 40 different languages are spoken and approximately 1,800 students represent countries other than the United States, Phoenix College embraces and thrives on its unique culture and diversity. A culture that has expanded over the years since 1920, the PC community continues to promote education and understanding of all people, nationalities and customs.

Articulation Agreement Signed
Representatives of the MCCCD and Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) recently gathered on the Phoenix College campus to witness a historical event that will significantly impact and expand educational opportunities for African American students.

Phoenix College hosted the historical signing of an articulation agreement between Maricopa Community Colleges and MVSU. The agreement allows students from all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges and MVSU, one of the nation's 113 "Historically Black Colleges and Universities," to "seamlessly" transfer the credits they have earned in a number of educational tracks.

This partnership also ensures faculty recruitment between the Maricopa Community Colleges and MVSU, which will provide career enrichment opportunities to educators.

Collaborative Efforts Produce Special Events
The Phoenix College Counseling Department and International Center have been avid supporters and key players in organizing diversity events on campus. These events range in scale from an International Education Week to community lectures. Most recently, the two departments joined forces to host a presentation on hate crimes, as well as an informative panel discussion on Middle Eastern culture, religion and beliefs. Both events were well received by the campus community and public.

PC student organizations have also taken an active role in promoting diversity events on campus. The Black Student Union hosted their second annual African/African American Reunion, which allowed BSU members, faculty and staff an opportunity to welcome and reunite with a number of students from Africa. M.E.Ch.A. and A.L.E, as well as instructors of Spanish recently kicked off the holiday season with a 400-year-old Mexican Las Posadas celebration. The Rho Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa sponsored an honors lecture and community event, which included three Native American guest presenters who spoke on various topics including the Circle of Life and the ritual of smudging. Also, the PC Model United Nations hosted "Thinking Globally - Acting Locally," a lecture presented by the founder of Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation.

In addition to the abundant number of scheduled events on campus, the PC community regularly reviews opportunities where it can address topics that are specifically related to diversity and plans to take an even greater role in the future. Future efforts plan to include a broad perspective of diversity by addressing topics that include gender, disabilities, alternative lifestyles, and other diversity issues.