While the event is intended to increase dialogue of the subject on campus, there are a number of services offered that already help foster diversity, such as the Rainbow Resource Center, located on the main floor of the Union.

Emily Hart, a senior in the Division of Social Work and head coordinator of the center, said that the center has a number of programs, one of the key features being the opportunity to meet other like-minded students.

“The biggest thing we offer students, both GLBTQ and non[- GLBTQ], is the social networking opportunities here at the center,” she said.

Hart added that giving students a positive, safe environment to interact is central to the center’s mission.

“We are in a very typically conservative area, which means that more help and support can be given, the better,” she said. “It’s a safe environment for everyone really. Anyone can come in as long as they are respectful.”

One feature of the center is its expansive library of GLBTQ-related books and media.

According to Hart, the center has the largest GLBTQ library in the state (980 titles in all) that they work to keep updated. The center recently received a $500 donation from TriO and is using the money to update their library.

TriO Programs is based out of the office of Student Educational Opportunity and is designed to help individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Along with being a safe environment and having the library, the center also offers academic support.

“We can also help students academically through assisting students with making schedules or working with the registrar’s office,” Hart said.

This support is extended by the center’s mentoring program, which helps incoming GLBTQ students adjust to college life.

“We have a peer mentoring program now that will take students who have been down here a year or longer, and they can mentor incoming students, to help start a relationship with campus and better integrate into Laramie’s community,” Hart said. “This is a program we piloted in the fall, and it is run specifically out of our office.”

There are, however, a number of challenges associated with running the resource center, Hart said.

“On average, we have close to 3,600 [students], who are members of the GLBTQ community, who go to school at UW. We are also the only hub in the state, so we try and network with GLBTQ students throughout the state,” she said.

Hart added that another challenge associated with the GLBTQ community in Laramie is the political climate that causes many students to be hesitant to be open about their sexual orientation.

“It’s really difficult to get solid statistics on how many GLBTQ students are currently enrolled at UW, because many students don’t want to come out,” she said.

In the future, Hart said she hopes to continue to expand the services the resource center can provide students both GLBTQ and non-GLBTQ.

“I think the work we do here, and the services we provide, are important—not just to the GLBTQ community on campus—but to the state as a whole,” she said.

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But the Day of Service isn’t the only activity going on during Days of Dialogue, according to greek life coordinator Kate Steiner.

“There is such a huge variety of topics and events going on this week that there is something for everyone on campus and in the community,” said Steiner. “Diversity has been a longstanding mission on the UW campus and especially this year as we celebrate the tenth year of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Days of Dialogue and March,” Steiner continued.

Students must sign up in advance on the SLCE page of the UW website to participate in the Day of Service, as lunch will be provided. Activities that day will include painting, moving furniture, cleaning and much more.

After the restoration, the MLK March will take place starting at the Albany County Courthouse at 4 p.m. Coal Creek Coffee will provide coffee as participants march to the Union for a free soup supper. Anyone can attend the march or the Willena Stanford Supper in the Union Ballroom.

At the supper, there will be a reading of one of MLK’s speeches by Tracy Patton, the director/professor of African-American Diaspora Studies at UW, a performance by the ballet group 7220, a drum performance by the Wyoming African Students Association (WASA), an awards ceremony, a speech by Congressman Baird and a welcoming speech by UW President Buchanan. There are many other events scheduled for Days of Dialogue.

Some of the major events are the keynote speech by hip-hop artist Common at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Union Ballroom, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Civic Center, and a comedy titled “The Race Show” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the A&S Auditorium. Tickets need to be purchased in advance for “The Race Show.”

For more information, contact Kate Steiner at ksteiner@uwyo.edu or the SLCE office in the lower level of the Union.

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The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

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“Early on, CHAP was a way for health professions students to get volunteer hours and to put their interests to work on campus and in the community,” Colleen Hubbell, associate lecturer and licensed counselor in the College of Health Sciences, said.

According to Hubbell, in the last few years, strong partnerships have developed between CHAP and community organizations.

She explained that CHAP is currently working on several different projects including volunteer opportunities at Senior Housing, an apartment complex for low-income seniors. The organization is also working with a program to help teach young children about health professions through puppetry as well as a new partnering program.

“In conjunction with Ivinson Memorial Hospital, [we are] partnering CHAP volunteers with people with pre-diabetes to encourage them to lose weight and make healthier food choices,” Hubbell said.

CHAP is a student-driven, extracurricular and inter-professional organization.

“Students involved report benefiting from CHAP as a place to meet and learn from other students,” Hubbell said. “Because CHAP is inter-professional, the majors represented range from within the College of Health Sciences nursing, medicine, kinesiology and health, pharmacy, to all across campus- art, biology, micro-biology, business, nutrition, and undeclared, to name a few.”

Hubbell said that students say they have been energized by getting involved with community organizations and being able to contribute to making a difference.

“CHAP works because students aspiring to various health careers are innately committed to improving the quality of life of their fellow citizens,” she said.

“Cathy Valades-Flynn keeps the diffuse group connected through regular e-mail announcements, lunch-time meetings and personal involvement,” she said.

CHAP meets twice a month, the first Wednesday at noon and the third Thursday at 4 p.m. On average about 20 students attend each meeting but nearly 300 students a year participate in some way.

“CHAP is not a club. There are no dues or requirements for joining. Just come to a meeting, have lunch, and bring your ideas for making a difference.”

Those interested in being added to the email list can contact Valades-Flynn at cvalades@uwyo.edu or call 766-4908.

Email the author: rkubiche1@uwyo.edu

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The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

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Due to recent issues concerning the posting of comments on BI Online articles, the staff has felt it necessary to implement a new comments policy.

We would like to ask all of our readers to go to our Comments Policy page and review the policy before posting comments.

The most important change is that users will now be required to register an account on the BI Online before posting comments. Registration is free and easy and can be done by clicking the “Register” link at the bottom of the login page and following the instructions.

We hope to continue to bring the UW community the finest quality news, editorial, and sports information.

Sincerely,

Rochak Karki, Online Editor

Kevin Sutherburg, Assistant Online Editor

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From Wednesday to next Monday, the group will perform in Glenrock, Afton, Lander and Cody in front of the towns’ high school students.

The Singing Statesmen will be finishing their tour in Cody, where the Wyoming All-State Music Groups will be meeting.

“We will perform for all of the students who auditioned into the Wyoming All-State Band, Orchestra and Choir, as well as music educators from across the state, and family of the All-State students,” said Lamartine.

The group was chosen based on their involvement and dedication to UW’s fine arts program, specifically the local musical scene.

“The UW Singing Statesmen are a high-profile men’s choir that focuses on fine choral literature representative of various style periods and vocal traditions from the western choral tradition, specifically cowboy and western songs associated with the state of Wyoming,” Nicole Lamartine, director of choral activities for UW and conductor of The Singing Statesmen, said.

This group is comprised of 50 to 60 male students from UW and is a non-audition choir. All students interested are excepted.

“This ensemble is available to both music majors and non- music majors and represents a community of musically interested students from across campus,” Lamartine said.

In 2008, Lamartine came into the position of choral activities director.

Along with teaching music education curriculum, conducting and applied voice, Lamartine conducts the Singing Statesmen, the Collegiate Chorale and advises the male the a capella group, Happy Jacks.

The Singing Statesmen’s tour of Wyoming specific goal is to address and encourage singing potential in Wyoming.

“The ensemble has toured Wyoming with the objective to promote male singing to students at the high school and community college level,” Lamartine said.

Email: Davis Bonner

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The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

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The films hosted by SAC are unique from those shown at Friday Night Fever because the Thursday films are usually foreign films, Indy films, or just those that never came to a theatre in  Laramie. 

“Since the Film Series is in its first year, we are always looking for input from students and the community on how to make this program even better,” said SAC representative, Stephanie Long. “The Student Activities Council is made up of volunteer students who meet weekly to help bring diverse forms of entertainment to the student body, and anyone can join.”

Films next semester will begin with Black Swan staring Natalie Portman at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13 in the Education Auditorium. Just like this semester, films will show on the second Thursday of every month.

SAC film events are free for both students and members of the community. SAC meets every Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. in the Thunder Basin Room in the basement of the Union. 

“Anyone is welcome and encouraged to stop by and give their input for new and ongoing programs sponsored by SAC,” said Long. The films are put on by the Film Committee, a division of SAC.

For more information or to sign up for the SAC email list, please contact Stephanie Long at shanson5@uwyo.edu. 

Students can stop by the SAC information table every Wednesday in the Union breezeway.

Email: Cali Cravens 

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While the nation’s capitol enjoys a 65-foot Jackson Hole Christmas tree, Laramie celebrates the season with a festival of individually decorated pine trees.

To help kick off the Laramie holiday spirit the annual Festival of Trees will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Centennial Complex, 2111 Willett Drive, across from War Memorial Stadium.

The Festival of Trees is a silent auction and tree lighting reception hosted by the UW Art Museum.

“The Festival of Trees is an annual event that is made possible through volunteer decorators in the community and is a combination of the silent auction and the Lighting of the Trees reception.  Members of the Laramie community, as well as the UW community, participate in this annual event,” Beverly Schroeder, administrative assistant to the Art Museum, said.

Participating community members decorate a tree that will be sold at the silent auction. 

“There is no set theme; the participants decide themselves what they would like to do and we always end up with a great variety of trees,” Schroeder said. 

Along with the trees, the silent auction will include many pedestal items like pre-lit wreaths and wall hangings and holiday creations from local florists. 

This is the 18th annual Festival of Trees and it is open to the public. 

“The proceeds from the silent auction help to support the Art Museum programs and to aid in supplying scholarships for all ages,” Schroeder said. 

One of the trees included is a “Forever West” tree, decorated by Gov. Dave Freudenthal and his wife, Nancy.

“Santa’s Garden,” a tree decorated by the UW president’s office, will also be up for bid. The art museum decorated two trees this year calling them the “Nutcracker Suite” and “Candy Warhol.” 

First Interstate Bank, UW Football and Habitat for Humanity have also decorated trees for the Festival of Trees.

The silent auction continues on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and ends on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.. 

“People can come to preview the decorated trees and place advanced bids while they enjoy and evening of music, refreshments, and holiday lights,” Schroder said. 

Email: Lauren Kottenstette  

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The International Student Association will be hosting their annual Etiquette Dinner from 6 p.m. to midnight this Saturday in the Union Ballroom.

“[The] Etiquette Dinner is an effort to introduce and promote the culture of different countries to the campus community,” Vagaban Subedi, events coordinator for ISA said.

Each year, this formal dinner is given a different theme based on countries or regions that are represented at UW. Speakers from the represented areas are invited to speak on their cultures and etiquette, which is usually accompanied with a short visual presentation.

“There is a dinner right after the informative speeches in which the food from the represented region is served,” Subedi said.

East Asia is this year’s theme. Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia and China will be represented, Subedi said.

There will be a speaker from China, South Korea, Malaysia and one from Indonesia.

Following the dinner, a dance will feature international and English music.

“It is a great opportunity to learn about East Asia, their culture and their etiquettes, [and] how they represent themselves. And it is also a great opportunity to taste the food from different countries at once, which is a rare opportunity,” Subedi said.

With the dinner, ISA hopes to increase interaction between students. 

“We consider the term international as ‘inter-national,’ which includes American students as well,” Subedi said. 

The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Tickets are required and were given out Wednesday and Thursday. ISA works to introduce the culture from all countries on campus. 

“Etiquette Dinner is probably the biggest effort in [the direction of] this goal. We basically represent the countries turn-by-turn based on the student representation. Availability of the interested students, vendors who can provide the food from the selected countries is the main factors,” Subedi said.

In past years, themes have included South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. Next year another part of the world will be showcased.

“ISA is looking to see the diverse university community come to the event. A lot of times American students do not show interest in the events organized by the international students. We are expecting to see the American students as well. How much do the American students know about East Asia? Again since it is “International Etiquette Dinner” we want to welcome Inter-national community,” said Subedi. ISA believes cultures enhance if shared with others. 

During Friday Night Fever tonight ISA will be set up in the Union Ballroom. This event is free and open to students (no tickets required). Tables representing various countries will be present so students can learn about different cultures.

International Pizza and deserts will be served. Students can and learn how to write their names in different languages, get henna tattoos, and experience wearing dresses from different countries.  “ISA believes cultures enhance if shared to others,” said Subedi. 

Email the author: lkottenstette@uwyo.edu 

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The Student Leadership in Community Engagement office is offering one alternative winter break and six different spring break options this year.

This year’s winter break trip will take place Dec. 12-21 in Jamaica with the theme of “Building a better community,” Jen Lang, alternative break coordinator, said. The cost of the Jamaica trip is $1,868. 

Participating in these alternative breaks is “a great way to get involved, build your resume and travel the world all at the same time,” Lang said.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in other programs during spring break as well. The six trips over spring break include a trip to Dominican Republic that will give aid to an orphanage, Costa Rica with a theme of social development, as well as environmental and conservation trips to Belize and the Florida Everglades. Students also have the opportunity to go to San Francisco to abet hunger and homelessness or to southern Utah to focus on animals, Lang said.

Spring trips range in cost from $300 to $1,500, she said.

Lang encouraged students to participate in these breaks, saying they are an excellent way to help out different communities. 

Students on these trips will experience the world in a way that they would not if they took the trips on their own, she added.

The breaks are offered on a first-come, first-served basis with ten spots available for each trip. 

For more information, contact the Volunteer Services office at 307-766-3117.

Email the author: jmagrum@uwyo.edu

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The event will take place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday in the Union Ballroom.

“This event is a great opportunity for students and the community to come and get a general snapshot of their overall health situation,” Jessica Hopper, pharmacy student and organizer of this year’s fair, said.

“Younger students don’t often think about their health care situation,” Hopper said. “While we are not diagnosing specific conditions, we are offering services that can help in catching some health problems early.”

“We will be offering a number of services that should prove to be very beneficial to individuals looking to get a general idea of their overall health.”

Services provided will include blood glucose testing, osteoporosis screening, rapid HIV testing, blood pressure testing, depression screenings and sexual and reproductive health information.

The event will also offer acupuncture treatment, hearing and vision tests and information about the importance of immunization.

“We generally get a pretty even split between students and members of the community,” Hopper said. “We also get a very broad spectrum of people from the ages of 18 all the way to 75,” Hopper said.

The program is also a venue for the students in the College of the Health Sciences to gain valuable experience in their field of study.

“Student groups within the College of Health Sciences run the various health services stations, which gives students valuable experience in their specific field of study,” Hopper said.

Third year pharmacy students will also be participating in the event. They will answer any possible questions students may have about prescription drugs. While the event is free, individuals who wish to receive a full blood workup will pay a fee of $25. Individuals requesting a full blood workup are asked to fast for at least twelve hours before the procedure.

Email the author: rkubiche@uwyo.edu 

Editors Note: The acronym “COSC” in the headline was intended to be “COHC”, for College of Health Sciences. The Branding Iron Online apologizes for the misprint. 

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