Signature Programs and Events

Multicultural Mosaic

Held in the days before Piper Passages, Multicultural Mosaic is our first major initiative of the school year. This program provides students with opportunities to meet other new students and faculty and staff and get to know key university resources and services while learning about diversity issues including race, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic class.

Student Empowerment Retreat

This off-campus retreat provides opportunities for new and returning students to get acquainted, build stronger support systems, learn about our diverse communities and discuss issues of importance to diverse communities. In addition to team-building activities, networking, interactive sessions on important college and campus issues, students participate in a bonfire and other fun activities. This event is coordinated by the Multicultural Alliance and is open to any student who is a member of one of the Hedgeman Center student organizations.

This is My Story: Conversations on Identity, Diversity and Community

"This is My Story" is a monthly discussion series that invites members of the university and local communities to share personal stories about their social and cultural identities and journeys. Our guests share stories from their childhood, education, and professional backgrounds while exploring issues of diversity, social justice, cross-cultural alliances, reconciliation and inclusion. All panels are held on the first Thursday of each month during Convocation hour, from 11:20 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. in 100E Giddens Learning Center unless otherwise noted.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration and Day of Service

Each year, Hamline University honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s leadership to civil rights movement through a commemorative event in which university community members reflect upon, examine and celebrate King's life, philosophy and legacy. In addition to the commemoration, the MLK Day of Service has been added to our university celebration as a way to transform Dr. King's life and teachings into community building. 

Social Justice Symposium

This symposium, held in the first week in April, offers members of the Hamline community opportunities to learn about social justice issues that affect our campus, local, and national communities. The symposium examines the intersections and commonalities between social justice issues (racism, classism, homophobia, sexism, etc.). In addition, the symposium highlights and celebrates the life and accomplishments of a different activist for social justice. Past honorees have included Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ella Baker, Cesar Chavez, Harvey Milk, A. Philip Randolph, Yuri Kochiyama, W.E.B. DuBois, Thurgood Marshall, and Helen Keller. In 2022, we will celebrate Anna Arnold Hedgeman, Hamline's first graduate of color, during the 100th anniversary of her graduation from Hamline.

Hedgeman Center Honors and Awards

The purpose of this event is to recognize, celebrate and inspire student success in academics, service and leadership. The program includes an address from a graduating senior, remarks from the president and awards presented to students in three categories (first-year, intermediate, and senior) of the above-mentioned categories. In addition, awards are given for the Outstanding Faculty, Staff and Multicultural Ally. The "Barbara Simmons Eagle Award" is the highest award and is given to an undergraduate student of color who has succeeded in all three categories. Visit our Awards and Recognition page for more information.

"Voice and Vision" newsletter

Published quarterly, the "Voice and Vision" newsletter informs students and campus community members about campus activities, programs, services, and initiatives, especially those sponsored by or affecting Hedgeman Center students.

Traditional cultural and heritage events

• Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15)
• African Heritage Week (October)
• Native American Awareness Week (TBD)
• Black History Month (February)
• Hmong Month Celebration/Hmong New Year (November)
• Asian Heritage Month (April)