Inclusive Excellence News December 2024
In this month’s abbreviated Inclusive Excellence News you will find a list of inclusive events around campus. As well as information regarding inclusive dates and occasions. To check out last months Inclusive Excellence news, visit here.
As always, if you have any events you would like included in the next month’s edition, please email ie@bsu.edu
Ball State University Earns Excellence in Diversity National Award for Ninth Straight Year
For the ninth consecutive year, Ball State University has received a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity magazine and website in higher education. Read more about it here.
Inclusive Excellence Important Dates
December 1st, World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1st to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and to show support for those living with the virus. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, and to reflect on the progress made in the prevention, treatment, and care of HIV/AIDS.
The day was first established in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations to highlight the global threat of HIV/AIDS and to emphasize the importance of taking action to combat the epidemic. Since then, World AIDS Day has been marked by various activities, events, and campaigns organized by governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and communities around the world.
December 3rd, International Day of Persons With Disabilities
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrates the valuable contributions of individuals with disabilities to society. It highlights the importance of creating a world that prioritizes accessibility, fosters inclusion, and upholds equality. This day also promotes awareness, understanding, and action to address barriers that hinder full participation in all aspects of life.
December 9th, International Genocide Prevention Day
International Genocide Prevention Day raises awareness about the horrors of genocide and promotes global efforts to prevent future atrocities. It emphasizes justice, accountability, and the protection of at-risk communities. This day fosters international solidarity, education, and advocacy to ensure remembrance of past tragedies and the safeguarding of human rights globally.
December 10th, International Human Rights Day
International Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This day emphasizes the universal values of equality, dignity, justice, and freedom, reminding the global community of the ongoing struggle to protect and promote the fundamental rights of every individual.
December 25th, Hanukkah Begins at Sunset
Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE. The holiday honors a pivotal moment in Jewish history when the Maccabees, a small group of Jewish rebels, triumphed over the Seleucid Greek Empire, reclaiming their religious and cultural freedom. Upon rededicating the Temple, the Maccabees sought to light the Temple’s menorah, a sacred candelabrum symbolizing divine presence. However, they found only a small amount of ritually pure oil—enough for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, allowing time to prepare more.
December 26th, Kwanzaa Begins
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage, culture, and unity. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa draws inspiration from traditional African harvest festivals and emphasizes the values that strengthen community bonds. Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, each of the seven days highlights one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). These principles promote self-reflection, cultural pride, and a commitment to social and economic progress.
Inclusive Excellence Events Across Campus
1 to 4 (+, -)
December 5th-7th, 7:30-9PM
December 7th, 2:30-4PM
Choreographed by Jenn Meckley and Audra Sokol
1 TO 4 (+, -) investigates contemporary dance styles of 2 curious choreographers seeking 1 unified perspective on human connection – is ONE the loneliest number?
Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office in person, online, and via phone at 765-285-8749.
General Public/Faculty/Staff/Students/Seniors: $6 in advance, $8 at the door
Charles Brown Planetarium “The Christmas Star”
Fridays: Dec. 6, 13 at 5:00pm & 6:30pm
Saturdays: Dec. 7, 14 at 5:00pm & 6:30pm
Over the years many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Can the star beexplained as an exploding star, a comet, or some other natural event in the sky? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions will be discussed.
Suitable for all ages 10+, all ages are welcome.
Mindfulness in the Museum
December 6th, 12-1pm
Take a midday break with Dr. George Wolfe, professor emeritus, to experience mindfulness meditation in the DOMA galleries. This event is free and open to the public with no registration required.
“One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure”
Dec. 7, 14 at 3:30pm
“One World, One Sky” is a brilliant program that follows Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a new friend from China. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. They will also find shapes in the sky that will help them find the North Star. This cross-cultural adventure opens children’s eyes to the sky, helping them see how people all over the world are connected. Best suited for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners, all ages are welcome.
Holiday Arts and Culture Night
Saturday, December 7th
Ball State’s Integrated Cultural Committee will kick-off the holiday season on Saturday, December 7th with events, holiday productions, demos, a Luminaria Walk, and more. A Ball State shuttle will travel between campus and Minnetrista throughout the night, with stops near the Glick Glass Center and the Minnetrista Orchard Shop lot (on St. Joseph Street).
Holiday Glass Sale & Demonstrations | 4pm-8pm
Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass
Glick Center for Glass joins the holiday festivities with an Open House, offering a glass arts sale by the BSU Glass Alliance and live glass working demonstrations throughout the evening.
FSEEC
Rinard Orchid Greenhouse
Holiday in Bloom | 6-9pm
The BSU Field Station and Environmental Education Center will be open for our annual evening program, Holiday in Bloom, on December 7th from 6-9pm. Visitors can tour the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, decked out for the holidays; create nature-inspired ornaments in the Nature Lab; and explore Christy Woods along our Luminaria Trail. Listen Closely, BSU’s all-female a capella group, will be performing (tentative) throughout the evening.
Holiday Community Open House | 6-8pm
David Owsley Museum of Art
DOMA joins in the annual community holiday festivities with refreshments, children’s art activities, and live holiday music.
Holiday performance by the University Singers | 7pm
Rinker Center’s Global Holiday Booths | 5-9pm
1st Floor Riverside Entrance Lobby of the Fine Arts Building
The Rinker Center Global Holiday Booths invite you to celebrate the season with hands-on origami and coloring crafts while exploring educational displays on holiday traditions from around the world. Join us to discover unique cultural celebrations and make a festive keepsake! There will be booths from The Rinker Center, University Libraries, and the Integrated Cultural Committee. There will also be ticket giveaways for a basketball game and for Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland at Emens Auditorium!