It was a true celebration Tuesday at the grand opening of 5710 S. Woodlawn Ave.—the new home to the University of Chicago’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Over the rhythm of African, Caribbean and East Indian drummers, students, faculty, administrators and staff sipped sparkling cider and clapped to the beat before University President Robert Zimmer delivered opening remarks.
“This is an exciting moment for the University of Chicago,” Zimmer said of the opening of the building, which will house the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, the LGBTQ Programming Office and the Amandla Lounge. “This opening really represents something very important as the University of Chicago has an ongoing and expanding commitment to diversity in all of its multiple aspects. I hope that this will be a place where we can celebrate our differences and where a community can develop—where one can share both the good and the bad.”
Ana Vázquez, Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and Deputy Dean of Students in the University, said, “While we may not be the first university to do this — we like to think we’ve done it the best. Our entire project was funded by institutional support. This really symbolizes the University’s strong commitment to diversity.”
Vázquez added that the center would create a space for students of color and LGBTQ students to build community and create a sense of belonging on campus, while spreading awareness about those student groups. The center will make resources and advocacy readily available and providing a space for candid discussions on race, ethnicity, sexuality and gender identity.
“I have a great sense of pride that the University of Chicago has made such a significant and symbolic commitment to former, current and future students of color and LGBTQ students,” Vázquez said. “The fact that the staff will be in such close proximity to students means we will have easier access to students, and therefore, allow us to better advocate for and address their needs.”
Before guests at the grand opening began tours of the building, Kimberly Goff-Crews, Vice-President and Dean of Students in the University, asked those in the crowd to raise their glasses for a toast.
“To our past, present and future — in honor of the students, faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to make this happen,” Goff-Crews said.