3/18/2004

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU’ SECOND ANNUAL ‘UNITY WEEK’ TO SPOTLIGHT CAMPUS DIVERSITY, UNITY

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University’s  Student Union for Minority Affairs organization will host its second annual Unity Week opening Saturday [March 20] as a program designed to promote campus diversity and unity among students, faculty staff and the community.

          The event-filled week features diverse programming and activities involving more than a dozen campus and community co-sponsors. Highlights of the week include a presentation by the Washington, D.C.-based, Edgeworks Dance Theater, the first-ever, all male dance company of black men founded by award-winning choreography Helanius J. Wilkins, who has lectured previously at SRU. Step Afrika! USA, an explosive, percussion dance ensemble founded in 1996 and based in Washington, D.C., will perform.

          Details on the history of nine historically black Greek organizations on campus will be offered, and a program focused on the diverse perspectives of careers and life experiences is planned. A food festival, sponsored by AVI Food Services, the campus contract food vendor, will also be offered.

          For complete details visit the SRU Web site: www.SRU.edu/pages/8370.asp. 

          The calendar offers the following:

           Saturday [March 20]: Human Race Machine, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. University Union (continues throughout the week); 7 p.m., Mr. And Mrs. Unity Pageant, University Union, admission $2; “Unity Week Kickoff Party, 10 p.m. Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center, with WAMO-radio disc jockey, free, ID required.

           Sunday [March 21]: Gospel Expressions concert featuring the SRU Gospel Choir, 5 p.m., University Union.

          Monday [March 22]: Panel discussion, “Greek Life It’s More than Just Stepping,” 5 p.m., Room 205, University Union. Hip Hop Coffee Shop, 8 p.m., University Union. Spades Tournament, 9 p.m., University Union ($10 per team registration).

           Tuesday [March 23]: Self-Expressions, 12:30 p.m., University Union. Panel Discussion “Diversity in the Workplace,” 6 p.m. McKay Education Building Auditorium. Leadership Symposium, 7 p.m. University Union.

           Wednesday [March 24]: Food Festival, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., University Union. Multicultural Fashion Show, 7 p.m., University Union.

          Thursday [March 25]: Mystery Dinner Theater, University Program Board event, 5:30 p.m., University Club, North Hall ($9.75 admission. Tickets at University Union Help Desk.). Apollo-style Talent Show and Lip Sync Contest, 8 p.m.

           Friday [March 26]: National Coalition Building Institute Training, call Holly McCoy at 724-738-2650 for details (also March 27-28). Students vs. Faculty Staff Basketball Game, 7 p.m., Morrow Field House. “Drag King and Queen Show, 8 p.m., Swope Music Building.

           Saturday [March 27]: Reception for Edgewater Dance Theater, 5 p.m., Carruth Rizza Hall, followed by company performance of “Fearless Measures,” featuring the all male dance troupe, 6 p.m., Miller Auditorium. Step Show, featuring Step Afrika, 8 p.m., University Union. Unity Week Celebration Party, 10 p.m., Aebersold Student Recreation Center (Admission $5, ID required).

PN, PgN, WPN, PR, AA