Message from the Chief Diversity Officer
Dear App State Community,
This month, App State will honor veterans and other members of our military community during Heroes Week Nov. 3-10, 2023 Military Mountaineer Homecoming Nov. 3-4 and Veterans Day on Nov. 10. The Office of Diversity is committed to supporting this valued population of Mountaineers by helping them transition from military service to civilian life — or balance the two — and tap into programs and resources designed to facilitate their success, including Student Veteran Services and the Student Veteran Resource Center.
- On Nov. 9, the Office of Diversity and Student Veteran Services will host a film screening of 6888 Battalion in the Greenbriar Theater in Plemmons Student Center. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring the film’s director, James Theres, and Col. Edna W. Cummings ’78, USA (Retired). Col. Cummings was the first African American female ROTC graduate from App State, and she was inducted into the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame on March 11, 2020.
In addition, November is National Native American Heritage Month, and there is a variety of programming planned for those who wish to participate.
- Our annual American Indian Film Series, which the Office of Diversity co-hosts with the Student American Indian Movement, will present three films this year: “Out of State” on Nov. 1, “Little Wound’s Warriors: Voices from the Badlands” on Nov. 8 and “Rez Metal” on Nov. 15.
- Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2023–24, the Gadugi Partnership is teaming with App State’s Student American Indian Movement to host Echoes of Resistance: Historical Trauma, Resistance and Healing on Nov. 6. The event will feature special guest speaker Toma Perkins of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.
- The Office of Diversity will host a virtual Land Acknowledgement Information Session on Nov. 13 to discuss App State’s history as it relates to our Indigenous communities and landscapes. The session will share information about Appalachian State’s Land Acknowledgement and Acknowledgement to Action goals. This session will also provide helpful information for those who wish to include land acknowledgement in their programming or courses.
- On Nov. 16, the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts will present Indigenous Enterprise, a dynamic performance of song and dance that brings traditional Native American culture to life.
I look forward to seeing many of you at these upcoming events. They provide our campus community with opportunities to learn more about the many authentic voices, beliefs and traditions that make up the wonderfully diverse App State tapestry.
And finally, I hope you will consider donating food items as you are able to one of the many food pantries in App State’s Campus Food Pantry Network. In addition, App State’s Office of Sustainability operates the Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store to support faculty, staff and students who may be experiencing food insecurity. It is located in the Office of Sustainability in East Hall, with several satellite locations across the Boone campus and in Hickory. This resource provides staple foods, fresh produce, bread, breakfast items and personal care products. Supporting these resources is a great way to make App State a more welcoming and inclusive place for all of our community members.
With the end of the semester approaching, I encourage members of our university community to look for ways to support one another. If my office can be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Jamie Parson, J.D.
Chief Diversity Officer