Catawba College, a small private liberal arts institution, has a community-based campus. This community consists of students from different races, ethnicity, language, nationality, religion, and sexual orientation. Why does this matter? Diversity among students enables them to understand different life experiences.

There are several initiatives taking place on campus to promote cultural diversity. Each day in the Cannon Dining Hall, chefs prepare a meal from different societies around the globe. A Catawba College student from Guadalajara, Mexico, Genesis Soto, enjoys the variety of different options provided to fulfill her appetite. She mentions, “Catawba has shown their acceptance of the Latin community by serving a variety of Mexican food in the café, and events that portray Spanish culture.”

However, it is not just the food that is promoting diversity on campus. The Spanish Club hosts an annual fiesta that contains traditional Spanish treats with music and dance. A piñata also hangs from the ceiling for the children to enjoy. In previous years, they provided Salsa and Merengue lessons. Both traditional dances from Latin countries.

February is Black History Month making it the most celebrated by the Black Student Union organization on campus. This organization has organized several inclusive events for the student body to participate. These events include a movie night every Tuesday in the student center, showing a movie that pertains to black history, and an open mic night where anyone can come show their talent.

Catawba College also houses international students who travel from Germany, Iceland, Poland, Lithuania, Canada, and more. International students primarily attend Catawba for its athletics. But that’s is not their only focus. Along with getting a degree, they also enrich the knowledge of currents students with culture from their home countries and the difference in lifestyle. All of which makes Catawba College a culturally diverse institution.