Salve’s 12th annual Multicultural Education Week expands worldview with inspiring lineup of speakers and events
Written by Talitha Giarratani-Chandler ’26
Salve Regina University is rolling out an exciting lineup of events for Multicultural Education Week (MEW), an immersive experience taking place Monday, Feb. 24, to Friday, Feb. 28. This campus tradition is a deep dive into global perspectives, cultural appreciation and critical conversations about race, identity and social justice. Organized by the Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention, the week blends intellectual engagement with vibrant celebration, ensuring every student can find something to take away.
A Salve tradition that matters
Since its start, MEW has brought together some of the most influential activists, scholars and artists from around the world to spark conversations that extend beyond the classroom. Each year, the week-long event features thought-provoking lectures, insightful panels and an unforgettable closing festival that immerses attendees in cultural traditions from across the globe. The closing Multicultural Festival is an evening packed with live performances, international cuisine and interactive cultural exhibits. The grand halls of Ochre Court will transform into a global showcase where students can taste foods from different cultures, enjoy traditional music and dance and engage in activities that highlight the beauty of cultural diversity. The festival is the perfect way to wrap up the week – immersive, high-energy and full of moments to remember.
Be part of the experience
Salve Regina’s 12th annual MEW is not just an event, it’s an opportunity to step into different perspectives, connect with new people and challenge assumptions. Whether you’re attending for the speakers, the discussions or just to enjoy an evening of cultural festivities, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of the world around you.
What people are saying:
“Multicultural Education Week is filled with heartwarming experiences. It’s nice to realize there’s something more than just ‘school’ here at Salve that brings us all together.” – Elena Alhazzaa ’26
“I say this to Sami all the time – the Multicultural Education Week gives us the opportunity to see experiences from other people’s eyes.” – Daniel Titus, associate director of Academic Support Services
What’s happening this year:
Multicultural Mass
Sunday, Feb. 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Mercy Chapel
All are welcome to celebrate diverse cultures through a blend of traditions, music and prayers. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional attire.
Opening Keynote with Dr. Matthew Guterl
Monday, Feb. 24, 7-8:30 p.m.
Bazarsky Lecture Hall in O’Hare Academic Building
Guterl, a leading scholar on race and culture in America, opens the week with a compelling discussion on equity in higher education. With a reputation for tackling uncomfortable truths head-on, he delivers sharp insights on the gaps that still exist in academic spaces and what institutions can do to foster inclusivity.
Diversity in Higher Education
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7-8:30 p.m.
Bazarsky Lecture Hall in O’Hare Academic Building
Policies are shifting across the country, sparking debates on what role universities should play in promoting diverse communities. This panel brings together faculty members, students and professionals to discuss the evolving landscape and its direct impact on college experiences.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ned Blackhawk
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7-8:30 p.m.
Bazarsky Lecture Hall in O’Hare Academic Building
Blackhawk, a National Book Award-winning historian, presents a groundbreaking discussion on Indigenous narratives in American history. His work centers around Indigenous experiences, offering a perspective that challenges and deepens our understanding of the country’s past.
Book Talk: The Underground Railroad with Olivia Jones
Thursday, Feb. 27, 4-5:30 p.m.
McKillop Library, room 219
Colson Whitehead’s “The Underground Railroad” is a gripping, award-winning novel that reimagines the path to freedom for enslaved people in America. Jones, a special programs and instruction librarian at the University, leads this session, examining the novel’s historical context, literary significance and emotional depth. Readers and non-readers alike are welcome—this discussion will offer fresh insights into how storytelling shapes our collective memory.
Multicultural Festival
Friday, Feb. 28, 6:30-10 p.m.
Ochre Court
The week concludes with an explosion of African culture at the Multicultural Festival, an evening packed with live performances, international cuisine and interactive cultural exhibits. Celebrate the vibrant cultures from Africa with the Salve community and enjoy an evening featuring interactive stations, powerful performances and a flavorful array of foods!
You can register for the events here.
