SXU to Hold Night of Belonging
Saint Xavier University (SXU) will hold its second annual Night of Belonging on Thursday, March 27, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Shannon Athletic and Convocation Center. The entire Saint Xavier community is invited for a night where everyone belongs. Attendees will enjoy coloring, art, bags, sports, games, and food from various cultures.
Sponsored by the SXU Schmitt Scholars and the Office of Family and Community Engagement, the first Night of Belonging was held last year as a way to bring together all SXU students, faculty and staff.
"The Schmitt Scholars noticed that events on campus are sometimes directed toward specific groups and organizations, and we really wanted to foster a sense of community, so we thought an all-encompassing event would be a great first step. Night of Belonging is a chance for students to connect with faculty and staff outside of classroom or work hours to strengthen connections," said Ella Kargle, Schmitt Scholar and communication sciences and disorders student.
The first Night of Belonging brought more than 70 students together as well as a large number of staff and faculty. This year, the Schmitt Scholars have worked on improving the event to bring together even more SXU community members.
"This year, we will include foods from various cultures, which we hope will help incorporate cultural belonging to the event. We are also including more activities, like badminton!" said Kargle.
The Schmitt Scholars and Office of Family and Community Engagement hope to instill a sense of inclusion and community along with a connection to SXU's core values within those who attend the event. Attendees are encouraged to bring their friends and colleagues and mingle to meet new people.
"The process of planning the past two belonging events has been both challenging and rewarding. I am so excited to see how this year's event turns out, and it is my hope that those who attend will feel as if they belong, no matter what circumstances they may be facing. This night is meant for SXU to relax, come together, and relieve some stress while enjoying food and activities!" said Kargle.
The Schmitt Scholars and Office of Family and Community Engagement hope to host the Night of Belonging for years to come, creating a safe place for the SXU community to come together and be themselves.
"We are so proud of our Schmitt Scholars for organizing this empowering social event for our SXU community and look forward to coming together in the spirit of unity, connection, and belonging and reflecting upon all our shared commonalities and unique differences, which unite us as an SXU family. We will celebrate by bringing our community together through music, games, food and laughter as a reminder that diversity and inclusion should be championed to foster not only our collective well-being but our individual positive development as well," said Manal Kanaan, Ed.D., and Colleen Hanrahan of the Office of Family and Community Engagement.