Cultural Heritage Institute formed

By Carole Snee
Services for Students with Disabilities

After many years of planning, the Central Valley Cultural Heritage Institute (CVCHI) announced its formation as an ancillary unit of the university at a reception on Nov. 20, 2003, for its advisory and steering committee members and supporters.

Seventy campus and community members, representing broadly diverse groups and organizations in the Central Valley, met to consider the institute's vision and purpose, committee organization and initial fundraising plans.  

After introductions of members of the Steering and Advisory committees and representatives of community groups, President Welty welcomed those gathered. Interim Provost Jeri Echeverria and Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Oliaro, co-chairs of the CVCHI Steering Committee, spoke of the potential value of the Institute to the campus and the community and the importance of the participation of those present.

Dr. Vida Samiian (Associate Dean, College of Arts and Humanities), a member of the Steering Committee, notes that "The Institute has been established to further engage students, both national and international, faculty, staff and the community in research, educational activities, celebrations and services that deepen our knowledge and appreciation of the cultures that we represent and the issues that we all face as a complex, diverse community."

Francine Oputa (coordinator, Women's Resource Center) described the mission, goals and hopes of the institute with co-presenter, Dr. Richard Salsgiver (Scoial Work Education), in a Power Point program. They announced that one of the first major events sponsored by the institute will be a regional diversity conference to be held in 2004.

Over time, the CVCHI will seek to promote and support such activities as cultural heritage and diversity research, cultural celebrations and artistic performances and visiting diversity scholars.   It will also seek to provide cultural-related services to the campus and community by offering cultural competency training, community symposia and a supportive organizational structure for culture-based groups and activities on campus.

The CVCHI has been formed as a collaborative effort among Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and the community.   At present, its activities are guided by a Steering Committee   that in addition to the co-chairs includes: David Bearheart, former Ombudsman, Fresno City Council; Benjamin Cuellar, dean of the College of Health and Human Services; Paul DeRuosi, Division of Student Affairs; Cynthia George, administrative law judge; Neil Gibson, president of Associated Students; Berta González , interim associate vice president, Division of Continuing & Global Education; Luz Gonzalez, interim dean of the College of Social Sciences; Vida Samiian; Carole Snee, Division of Student Affairs; and Harman Tiwana, Fresno State graduate.

The institute has formed an Advisory Committee composed of 30 community, faculty, student and staff members that will provide recommendations on policy and institute endeavors and actively participate in committee work.

A planning committee key to the work of the Steering and Advisory Committees includes William Hunt of University Grants and Contracts, Rasha Mohamed, graduate student assistant for CVCHI and Francine Oputa.

Anyone who is interested in participating in the 2004 diversity conference planning committee or wishes to find out more information about other committees and activities of the institute may call 8-6946 for further information.