Hundreds of students attended the Multicultural Student
Center’s 27th Multicultural Orientation Reception Friday, an event consisting
of fairs, a multicultural showcase and a dance.

The evening’s theme was “Mind, Body and Soul: Making
Every Experience Count,” to reflect the challenge “to make the very most of
your experience here while you’re at this campus,” according to Candace
McDowell, chair of the planning committee for the MCSC.

MCOR is MCSC’s annual welcoming event which helps target
incoming students of color to show them the culture at the University of Wisconsin.

 “It’s also an attempt
to bring the entire university [together] to also get an idea of the cultural
fabric of the campus,” McDowell said.

One of the highlights of the night was an opening address by
Damon Williams, the new vice provost of diversity and climate.

Williams, who started his job at UW five weeks ago,
impressed multiple students who were in attendance.

“[Williams’] speech was awesome,” said UW Senior Adom Hinkle,
a member of Phi Beta Sigma and a frequent participant in MCSC events. “He was
well-spoken. He had energy. He connected to us. He knew what we wanted to hear
and started the program off really well.”

UW sophomore James Kasombo attended the showcase to get more
involved in MCSC and the university in general, he said, adding he was impressed
with Williams.

“It was amazing,” Kasombo said. “He integrated his past and
his experience into what he wanted to bring to the university. … The students
accepted him with open arms.”

A student organization fair followed the event showcasing as
an opportunity for students to socialize and learn more about MCSC.

“It lets new students know there are many ways to connect to
different cultures and lifestyles through these organizations,” said Ketan
Patel, a UW sophomore involved with the Indian Students Association.

Many organizations, including fraternities, sororities and
clubs affiliated with the MCSC, had set up stands with representatives.

Since 1981, when the first MCOR was held, the orientation
has attracted more and more UW students and faculty every year and has gained a
very sizable reputation on campus.

During that time, MCOR has helped new students by providing
academic resources, cultural resources, accessibility to multicultural
organizations and support to help ease students’ transitions into their
respective academic careers.

“It is a great opportunity for students to socialize and get
familiar with the university,” said UW senior Jonathan Martin, a house fellow
in Sellery Residence Hall, who attended with residents and other house fellows.