Dowdy Multicultural Center
Location: 003 Sykes Union
Phone: 610-436-3273
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Email: multicultural@wcupa.edu
Dowdy Multicultural Center website
The Dowdy Multicultural Center was dedicated on October 21, 2016 in honor of Lawrence A. Dowdy for his years of devoted service to West Chester University.
Staffed by a full-time director, associate director, assistant director, administrative support staff, part-time graduate assistants and peer mentors, the Dowdy Multicultural Center promotes holistic success and development of Students of Color through collaborative co-curricular experiences that promote multicultural awareness, create a sense of belonging, affirm racial and cultural identity, and empower all students to challenge systems of oppression.
Our goals:
- To promote success of Students of Color by serving as a home-base and point for coordination of programs, services and referrals.
- To serve as a campus gathering place and resource/programming center for all students and other members of the University community to enhance awareness and appreciation of diversity and inclusion.
- To provide a space for prospective and first year Students of Color to identify with as they anticipate and begin their collegiate experience.
- To enhance alumni engagement by partnering with former Students of Color and alumni organizations.
The Dowdy Multicultural Center coordinates the following programs:
- Cultural/History Months – Latinx Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month, Black History Month, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month
- Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice and Civic Leadership – dedicated to creating an educational environment in which students can engage in learning that will raise awareness and promote action-oriented dialogue about racial, cultural and social issues that impact how students experience life on campus, in communities and in society
- Brothers of Excellence Conference – provides Men of Color with the knowledge and community connections to identify social issues, explore civic leadership, and recognize resources and individuals to create a sense of community
- Kente Graduation Celebration – for more than 25 years, this event celebrates the cultural identity and accomplishments of Students of Color
- Peer Mentoring Program – establishes a support network to guide WCU Students of Color (Asian American, Black/African American, Desi American, Latinx, Mixed Heritage, Native American/Indigenous, Pacific Islander) through their first academic year
The department advises the Multicultural Organization Advisory Board (MOAB), which provides support and guidance in strengthening coordination among members of multicultural organizations in the areas of program planning, collaboration, communication, resource sharing, and fostering unity.
The Dowdy Multicultural Center also awards multiple scholarships and collaborates with offices across campus on initiatives designed to close equity gaps and promote success for Students of Color.