Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Events

Our events are designed to educate, inspire, and bring our community together. All are welcome to attend. We believe every voice adds value, every story enriches our campus, and every person has a place here. Join us. Learn with us. Grow with us.

Black History Month

Black Saints Displays - Featured All Month

President's Office, Campus Ministry, and the Library

Celebrate and honor the rich history and contributions of Black saints with our month-long Black Saints Displays. These exhibits, thoughtfully curated in collaboration with the President’s Office, Campus Ministry, and the Library, offer inspiring stories and powerful reflections on faith, resilience, and leadership.

Visit the displays throughout the month to learn, reflect, and engage with these important narratives that enrich our campus community and deepen our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.


Collaging Workshop Inspired by Romare Bearden

Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 4.30 p.m. | Fine Arts Center 317

Join Professor Sherri Lisota for a creative and inspiring collaging workshop inspired by Romare Bearden, the renowned artist of the Harlem Renaissance. This hands-on workshop invites you to explore themes of identity, culture, and storytelling through the vibrant medium of collage, drawing on Bearden’s powerful legacy.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced artist, all skill levels are welcome. Materials will be provided, so just bring your creativity and curiosity!

Space is limited. Reserve your spot by signing up at: sjlisota@viterbo.edu

Do not miss this unique opportunity to connect with art, history, and your own story through collage.


Annual Black History Month Lecture: Althea Gibson - From Harlem to the Top of Women's Tennis

Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 4:00 p.m. | Nursing Center 196

Dr. Keith Knutson, Professor Emeritus, will explore the inspiring life and legacy of Althea Gibson, the trailblazer who broke the race line at the highest levels of international tennis competition and paved the way for future generations in women’s sports. In addition to highlighting her historic achievements, the presentation will thoughtfully consider the social expectations placed on women athletes during her era and what it meant to compete under intense public scrutiny.


Coming Together from Coming Apart: Resistance and Reconciliation in South Africa 

Friday, Feb. 20 | 10:00 - 11.00 am | Nursing Center 447

Join Dr. Matthew Bersagel-Braley for an insightful discussion on the complex history of resistance and reconciliation in South Africa. Explore the social, political, and cultural dynamics that have shaped the nation’s journey toward unity and healing. All are welcome!


Black History Month Community Celebration

Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 4 p.m. | FSPA Lobby

Join us for a vibrant and meaningful evening as we come together to honor Black History Month with community, culture, and celebration!

Event Highlights:

  • Delicious Soul Food: Enjoy mouthwatering dishes prepared by Mia’s Kitchen, bringing authentic flavors that celebrate the rich heritage of soul food.
  • Live Music: Groove to the soulful sounds of The Mayfield Experience, setting the perfect mood for connection and celebration.
  • Fun and Engaging Trivia: Test your knowledge on Black history and culture starting at 5:30 pm, with exciting prizes for winners.
  • Community Support: We invite you to bring non-perishable food items to contribute to the HCCC Rice Drive, helping to support those in need.

Schedule:

  • 4:00 p.m. – Soul food and live music kick off the evening
  • 5:30 p.m. – Trivia begins, with prizes to be won

This event is a wonderful opportunity to network, learn, and celebrate together. Bring your friends and family for a memorable evening filled with great food, inspiring music, and community spirit. We look forward to seeing you there! All are welcome!



Past Events

Annual Diwali Celebration


Stoney Creek Inn, Onalaska
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 | 5 p.m.

Join us for the vibrant Festival of Lights hosted by the La Crosse Cultural Heritage Association of India. Celebrate Diwali with an evening full of delicious food and rich cultural experiences.

Tickets are required and can be purchased at:
Priya's Spice Bazaar
2109 South Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608-473-3424 or online at: https://priyasspicebazaar.com/products/diwali-2022-ticket

 Come together to enjoy this beautiful celebration of light, culture, and community!


La Crosse International Committee Film Festival - 2025


Monday, Nov. 17 | 5 p.m. | Main Theatre

Celebrate International Education Week with an inspiring evening of short films from around the world, hosted by the La Crosse International Committee. This free event showcases a diverse selection of animation, drama, and storytelling highlighting voices from sister-city countries and beyond.

Featured Films:

  1. The Tomten and the Fox (Norway, 2019, 9 min)
A poetic animation about empathy and generosity rooted in Scandinavian folklore.
  2. The One Note Man (UK, 2023, 21 min)
A visually driven story exploring isolation and rediscovery of joy.
  3. Le Bleu Blanc Rouge de mes Cheveux (France, 2016, 21 min)
A moving tale of identity and belonging from a French teen of Cameroonian heritage.
  4. Linda, Linda! (Luxembourg, 2024, 17 min)
A heartfelt reflection on aging and closure with dry humor. (*Contains some swearing; not suitable for young children.)

Tickets: https://tickets.rivoli.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=972220~e3c66030-62d8-4282-9886-16d09f1887f2&

Join us for a memorable night of global cinema in downtown La Crosse!

Presented by the La Crosse International Committee in celebration of International Education Week 2025. 


International Education Showcase

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 5-7:30 p.m. | The Bluffs Ballroom, Student Union, UWL

UWL, Viterbo, and Western Technical College, with generous support from the La Crosse International Committee, are hosting an interactive event to explore cultures and languages from around the world.

Schedule:

4:30 p.m. – Booth Set Up

5 p.m. – Doors Open & Booth Exploration

5:30 p.m. – Presentations

6 p.m. – Booths and Food/Beverage Sampling

7:30 p.m. – Closing

Featured foods represent the home countries of international students from UWL, Viterbo, and Western Technical College. The tentative menu includes: 

  1. Myanmar: Ohn-No-Kauk-Swe (chicken soup)
  2. Brazil: Pão de Queijo (cheese bread) or Brigadeiro (cookie)
  3. Germany: Jäger Schnitzel (chicken with mushroom gravy)
  4. Morocco: Moroccan Roasted Carrots
  5. Ireland: Colcannon (Irish potatoes)
  6. Ghana: Sobola (hibiscus tea)

Tickets: $10 for students | $15 for staff, faculty, and general public. Purchase tickets here: https://ucinfocentertickets.ludus.com/index.php