Commitment To Culture Is Multidimensional, And A Cornerstone Of A Keene State Education
Keene State College believes increasing interactions and positive opportunities is a way to broaden viewpoints and expand thinking…in human, cultural, and social ways.
Student-run clubs and organizations are central to that idea. Take, for example, the Global Cultural Club, one of 54 active groups on campus that engage more than 900 students combined. It has more than 20 members and Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the U.S. Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Peru, Zimbabwe, and Massachusetts are home destinations for the club’s student officers.
The club hosts cooking sessions, festivity celebrations, conversations, arts and crafts, movie nights, and more.
“While this space feels like home to many, the activities are centered around learning and celebrating various aspects of different cultures, whether it be values, morals, or festivals, to mention a few examples,” said Nirmala Tamang ’25, the club’s incoming co-president.
“Yes, it’s people with colorful cultures coming together and sharing, but it’s also a supportive environment for everyone – all students, national and international. We can bridge the gap and be the channel for domestic and international students. They can experience a different culture without visiting the country.”
Culture-sharing might include making dumplings for Chinese New Year, traditional Bangladeshi food for Ramadan, or having cross-culture potlucks with the Black Student Union. Or events to teach languages, like Japanese and Nepali.
The club also hosts international crafting events and — for exchange students — plans activities to introduce them to American pastimes and sports, like bowling or skiing.
Club co-advisor Rodney Obien said the group is remarkable for offering a space for Keene State’s domestic students who study abroad and want to continue connecting globally.
The opportunity for the club to draw support from and collaborate with the College’s Cultural Center and other on-campus organizations is exciting said Nirmala, who is from Nepal. “Our club’s relationship with the Black Student Union is gradually developing. It will go a long way in helping to create a steadier base for building intercultural understanding…and a genuine, united community.”
The Cultural Center houses the College’s Office of Student Diversity, Belonging, and Equity. It holds social and educational programs and offers support, advocacy, and consultation for students, faculty, and staff.
In the spring, the Office announced that Ian Kaplan — a 2019 Keene State grad, recognized middle school teacher, and community activist — would replace Hunter Kirschner as the College’s program support assistant for LGBTQ students. Kirschner held that position for eight years.
Kaplan, a transgender man, earned a bachelor’s in English literature and education and is trained in educational equity and inclusion.
“Hunter Kirschner helped me to feel seen and heard and understood at a time where that’s what I needed, so to have the opportunity to be and do that for students is a hugely motivating factor for me,” Kaplan told The Equinox, the student-run newspaper.
Launching a Diversity Commission, supporting new groups like the Black Student Union and the Jewish Student Union, and introducing new programs are other ways the college seeks to foster one community regardless of nationality, identity, and cultural background.
