DATE: Wednesday, February 25, 2009

TIME: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Houssels House at UNLV

UNLV's Office of Diversity and Inclusion is putting a new spin on climate change with the opening the university's first dedicated Multicultural Center - Centro Multicultural. Located in the Houssels House on campus, the Center-Centro will for the first time provide centralized space and resources for UNLV students, staff, faculty and community members engaged in education, research, and service related to diversity and inclusion.

"By engaging members of the UNLV and local community in a broad array of multicultural events, activities, and programs, the Center-Centro will become a catalyst for creating and sustaining a shift in climate from one of monoculturalism and isolation to one of diversity and inclusion," said Christine Clark, UNLV Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion.

The Center-Centro will feature communal office and meeting spaces for UNLV students groups; provide periodic meeting and event space for university employee and community groups; and serve as the administrative home to part of UNLV's Diversity and Inclusion staff.

The Center-Centro will also host a series of unique one-credit "intergroup dialogue" pilot courses in partnership with the College of Education. In these courses, students from various social identity groups participate in facilitated conversation designed to help them build multicultural awareness and understanding. Dialogue course topics offered this spring in the Center-Centro focus on race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion.

A grand opening ceremony for the Center-Centro will be held on Feb. 25, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. outside the Houssels House at UNLV. Harrah's Entertainment Vice President of National Diversity Relations and former UNLV football great Tony Gladney will offer the keynote address. The official ribbon cutting ceremony will include: Gladney, UNLV President David B. Ashley and Tony F. Sanchez, III, Corporate Senior Vice President at Sierra Pacific Resources/NV Energy. There will also be artistic performances from UNLV students and recognition of UNLV's four Gates Millennium Scholars.