Butler University A M U LT I C U LT U R A L P E R S P E C T I V E
“At my first commencement as Butler University president, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the speaker. It was a completely riveting experience to listen to this man who helped bring peace and equality to South Africa inspire our graduates, their families and all of us privileged to be there that day. I think of that day and of Archbishop Tutu’s presence on our campus as a benchmark to which I seek to have this university rise.” – Bobby Fong, Butler University president
Learn. Connect. Grow. You will do all three at Butler University. The vision of President Bobby Fong has led Butler in increasing the diversity of our campus. Students learn from each other and from the faculty and staff by interacting with people of diverse background experiences and perspectives. Visit Butler’s campus and you’ll quickly find that this is a place where diverse perspectives are cultivated and respected. The university is working diligently not only to increase but also to broaden multicultural services and programming. Offering classes that reflect an inclusive world view, bringing in speakers of international reputation and working with students to plan distinctive events are just a few of the strategies the university uses to open doors and minds. Above all, Butler seeks to make this campus a home for all students: an intellectual home that nurtures students’ exploration and pursuit of academic interests and a physical home where students make lifelong friends, become leaders and enjoy campus life.
“I encourage you as a prospective student to picture yourself at Butler when you’re deciding whether this is the right university for you. Imagine yourself pursuing your academic interests, becoming
By the numbers... • 10.4% multicultural students, including 3.1% international students • Students come from 47 states and 69 countries • 18.5% multicultural and international faculty members
a campus leader, getting to know Indianapolis and, most of all, leaving here confident and prepared to seize life’s opportunities.” – Levester Johnson, vice president for student affairs
A native of Colombia, Roberto Curci received an M.B.A. from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas Pan American. Now an associate professor of finance who holds the Eugene Ratliff Endowed Chair of Finance, he has become extremely involved with the local Latino/Hispanic community, including work with the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Business Council and his consulting practice Latinus Group Enterprise Facilitators. He is an expert in U.S. Hispanic markets and offers his advice to organizations targeting Hispanic customers and also mentors Hispanic Business Enterprise (HBE)™ owners. Curci describes his teaching style as moving from theory to practice, something he vividly demonstrates in his classes. “There is no better way to learn about something than to see it in action.”
Terri Jett, associate professor and department chair of Political
Success in the classroom An 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you will have direct access to your professors, who genuinely care about your success. Your professors will know you by name and will often help you get your foot in the door with connections in the professional world. At Butler, our professors are the support system you need to help you succeed.
Science, is committed to having students experience firsthand the knowledge they acquire in the classroom and through their research. For almost a decade, she has researched and worked
“I have had the opportunity to form close relationships with several professionals in my major [chemistry] here in Indianapolis and elsewhere in the country. This is a direct result of the interest and care professors have invested in their students.”
on the issues of a black belt community, Wilcox
— Felicia Fullilove ’08, president, Black Student Union
other Butler faculty and local high school social studies
County, Ala. where she once lived and where she formed lifelong friendships. Jett has taken a group of Butler students to the Jubilee Celebration at the 35th anniversary of the historic Selma to Montgomery voting rights march. She has also co-facilitated two field study trips to South Africa through the Center for Faith and Vocation and spent a month in Ghana with teachers as part of a Fulbright Study Travel Grant. Dr. Jett teaches an array of courses from introductory political science courses to advanced courses on Black Political Thought, Urban Politics and Political Humor. She also teaches core curriculum courses on African American Women Writers and Postcolonial Africa. As a teacher-activist-scholar Dr. Jett embraces the philosophy of an “engaged pedagogy” as articulated by author bell hooks, which promotes teaching in a manner that empowers students.
“I think that diversity is important and Butler is a university where individuals can definitely learn a lot if they choose to be open-minded. Also, although the minority percentage on campus is small, the relationships are great. Over the past four years I have created a family of friends with minority and majority students and friendships that will last well beyond graduation.” – Lindsey Duffy ’08, vice president of diversity for the Student Government Association
Get Involved! It happens every year. New students arrive on Butler’s campus wondering how they will meet people, fit in and get involved. At Butler, it’s easy to get involved — there are over 115 organizations to join. Butler also has a variety of organizations that help promote student leadership and involvement as well as multicultural awareness through activities on campus and in the community. And the best part is,
R.E.A.C.H. (Respecting, Embracing, and
if you can’t find the organization that best fits your passion, you can start your own. Throughout
Achieving Community Harmony) is the diversity branch of the Student Government
Indianapolis and across the nation, Butler students are known for their creativity, commitment and energy.
Celebration of Diversity Distinguished Lecture Series Butler’s prestigious Celebration of Diversity Distinguished Lecture Series brings dignitaries and celebrities to campus. Recent speakers have included: Maya Angelou
Kweisi Mfume
Former President George H. W. Bush
Soledad O’Brien
Former President William J. Clinton
Amy Tan
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
Susan L. Taylor
Dr. John Hope Franklin
Dr. Cornel West
Danny Glover
Association. The mission of R.E.A.C.H. is to promote diversity within race, spirituality, gender and sexual orientation in order to foster tolerance while cultivating an open-minded environment. Annually, R.E.A.C.H. sponsors Ethnic Fest, a cross-cultural dinner and a number of other events and discussions on various topics of diversity. In addition, R.E.A.C.H. promotes off-campus events to explore diversity within Indianapolis including Fiesta Indianapolis and the GLBT Film Festival. Asian Students Intercultural Alliance (ASIA) promotes awareness of Asian culture, celebrates diversity and strengthens unity within organizations on campus and the community. ASIA provides campus with a variety of social and educational programming, including the Chinese New Year celebration.
“Butler University has helped me discover my passion for helping people through its infinite volunteer and community service opportunities. My experience volunteering in the Indianapolis community and with the Indianapolis Public School system has enriched my life and is something I plan on continuing after graduation.� — Sarah Perez, co-founder and president of Latinos Unidos, R.E.A.C.H. executive board member
Black Student Union (BSU) seeks to educate the Butler campus and Indianapolis
Greek Life
community through volunteerism, education and social interaction. BSU participates in
Meet new people and strengthen your leadership skills through Butler University’s diverse Greek system. Six national fraternities and seven national sororities give students many opportunities to find the organization that best fits them. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. are NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) or historically African American Greek organizations. Opportunities for membership in inter-campus chapters — chapters that consist of students from area colleges and universities — of other historically African American Greek organizations
events like Halloween Safe Night, Black History Bowl and an annual family brunch. They also stay proactive in addressing issues facing the African American community as a whole through letter writing campaigns, participation in local rallies and educational events.
are also available to Butler students. Historically African American Greek Organizations Formal Butler Chapters
International Club is comprised of both
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. (Alpha Chapter founded at Butler in 1922) Inter-Campus Chapters (includes students from Butler, DePauw University, IUPUI, University of Indianapolis and Marian College) Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
international and American students who are interested in celebrating and learning about various cultures. Students participate in authentic traditions and customs from around the world through monthly ethnic dinners, meetings and special events. Some International Club activities include international dessert night, Thanksgiving potluck, a panel discussion on the global community and salsa night.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
“Since joining a house I think that it has only made my experience at Butler more rewarding. I love being part of the Butler Greek community and I think everyone, of any background, should seriously consider going Greek!” — Jonathan Lopez ’10, engineering dual degree major
Latinos Unidos promotes Latino cultures on Butler’s campus, fosters a community for Latino students and those interested in Latino culture and serves the Latino Indianapolis communities. Latinos Unidos has volunteered with the Indianapolis Art Center’s presentation of Dia de los Muertos, served as translators for Indianapolis Public Schools’ Parent Teacher Conferences and coordinated events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on campus.
Office of Diversity Programs The Office of Diversity Programs supports the admission and retention of international and multicultural students through weekly freshmen retention meetings, study skill workshops and Dawg Days, an orientation program for multicultural freshmen. Dawg Days Bond with other new Bulldogs during Dawg Days. Multicultural freshmen have the opportunity to arrive on campus early and check into their residence halls, attend a series of programs and get to know a diverse group of other current students and faculty. Past participants have enjoyed movies, fiestas, luaus, cosmic bowling, workshops and even a trip to King’s Island amusement park to help acclimate them to campus and academic life.
The Efroymson Diversity Center The Efroymson Diversity Center, which opened in the fall 2006, enhances the personal development and academic success of students by preparing them to be active and responsible citizens demonstrating respect and appreciation for the diverse cultures represented on campus and the diversity within our global society. The Center also houses two professional offices and seven diverse student organization offices including the Office of Diversity Programs, the Office of International Student Services, ASIA, Latinos Unidos, Black Student Union, International Club, Voices of Deliverance Gospel Choir, Butler Alliance and Demia. It is truly a space for students — where they can hold meetings, study or just relax.
Indianapolis, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, is well known for its cultural richness. Many citywide events and concerts celebrate the city’s distinctive cultural connections. City Festivals The city of Indianapolis offers multiple events celebrating diversity and ethnic heritage throughout the year. Here is just a sampling of what’s available:
Shopping and Restaurants From downtown’s Circle Centre Mall to the Fashion and Castleton Malls located just north of campus, students have access to a myriad of major retail and chain stores and dozens of diverse restaurants for every culinary taste. Broad Ripple, located just minutes from campus, also offers eclectic shopping and restaurant options designed to appeal to college students and other young adults in the community.
Sports Often referred to as both the “Racing Capital of the World” and the “Amateur Sports Capital of the World,” Indianapolis hosts the two largest single-day sporting events in
• Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration is the largest in the country • Fiesta Indianapolis attracts more than 15,000 people in celebration of Hispanic culture
the world: the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 — held at the famed oval of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Each race draws crowds from around the globe.
• Circle City Classic draws 150,000 people from across the country annually to be a part of an electrifying weekend that includes a spectacular parade, celebrities, a battle of the bands and two historically black college football teams colliding head-to-head in the Lucas Oil Stadium. • Greek Festival: 30 years and still going strong — featuring cuisine, music, dancing and a bazaar with authentic Greek handicrafts
professional teams in every major sport including basketball, football, hockey and baseball. Enjoy America’s favorite pastime with an incredible view of the downtown skyline with the Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field. Watch the NBA’s Pacers or WNBA’s Fever drive and score at Conseco Fieldhouse, modeled after Butler’s own Hinkle Fieldhouse. The NFL’s 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts take to
• Irish festival
the gridiron in the new Lucas Oil Stadium, which opens fall 2008.
• Italian festival • Latin American Film Festival • Latino Heritage Celebration • Native American festival
Concerts and Performances Beyoncé
David “Fathead” Newman
Bobby McFerrin
The Neville Brothers
R. Kelly
Sean Kingston
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
Racing is certainly not all Indy has to offer the sports-minded. The city boasts
After graduation… Here’s what some alumni are doing now: Breann Gonzalez ’01, communications director, U.S. Congressman Pat Tiberi (OH), Washington, D.C. Alana J. Washington, Pharm. D ’01, St. Vincent Women’s Hospital, director of Women’s Hospital Pharmacy Angela Cruse ’04, Winding Ridge Elementary (MSD of Lawrence Township), third grade teacher Candice Washington ’05, Providence Cristo Rey High School, director of corporate work study Cynthia Payne ’05, graduate student pursuing a master’s in college student personnel, Bowling Green State University Jessica Sims ’06, news desk assistant and overnight news producer, NBC News Washington, D.C. Krystle Ford ’06, jazz violinist, Jazz Legacy Inc. Warren Morgan ’06, Teach for America, St. Louis
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