HERITAGE FESTIVAL SUPPORT EARNS AWARD
May 10, 2007
Contact Scott Fry
fry.64@osu.edu
COLUMBUS,Ohio – The Student Alumni Council (SAC) continued its dedication to diversity with a week of volunteer support during the annual African American Heritage Festival held Apr. 28 – May 5. The 29th African American Heritage Festival “Mzizi: Many Roots, One Tree” officially kicked off Apr. 28 at Browning Amphitheater, with an afternoon of music, food, games, and dancing. Mzizi is Swahili for "root", allowing the festival participants to “reach back and grab our roots so we know where we were, where we are and where we are going.”
“Getting to walk and talk with the second graders from Indianola Elementary School was very rewarding,” says Shannon Smith, first-year member of SAC. “It was definitely my favorite part of the week.” SAC participated in an OSU/Columbus Reads sponsored event, tutoring children at various schools in the campus community.
In total, approximately 45 SAC volunteers contributed more than 100 hours of service at various events throughout the week. Their efforts went on to be recognized by the African American Heritage Festival Committee when SAC was named “Most Valuable Organization” at a Volunteer Reception held May 5 at the Hale Center. For many volunteers this was their first experiences with the African American Heritage Festival.
Smith added, “I would definitely encourage students to participate. The Hale Center is a very cool place and not many students know about it, so they cannot take advantage of it. It's a great way to represent the diversity at Ohio State.”
The African American Heritage Festival recognizes the diversity and cultural impact of the African American community at not only Ohio State, but the world. The week is commemorated by a multitude of events to promote scholarship, leadership, and community service. Each year the African American Heritage Festival spotlights this great community and it is the premier heritage festival in our area. More information and a complete schedule of events can be found on the 29th African American Heritage Festival Web site, http://heritagefestival.osu.edu.
The Student-Alumni Council is a student advancement organization dedicated to serving Ohio State students past, present, and future through the support and coordination of university and The Ohio State University Alumni Association, Inc. events. A member of the Association for Student Advancement Programs (ASAP) and its parent organization, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), SAC strives to advance The Ohio State University through programs which enhance the student experience, promote student-alumni interaction and establish a spirit of loyalty to the university.
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