The ComArtSci DEI Office was a recipient of the STATE after DARK grant from University Health and Wellbeing. Lauren Gaines, director of diversity, equity and inclusion, and Jada Flowers, project and event coordinator of diversity, equity and inclusion took action with this grant by putting on “ComArtSci Healthy Homecoming.” An initiative aimed at promoting wellness and community engagement among students.
“Our goal for this event was to create a safe, engaging and substance-free environment that encouraged student well-being, engagement, and community connection during homecoming week,” Gaines explained. “This event was designed not just as a fun alternative to traditional homecoming parties, but as a meaningful community building experience that would resonate with students.”
With the help of ComArtSci student leaders from a wide range of registered student organizations (RSOs), this event took place on October 17th from 8-11 pm. The event drew over 200 attendees and included different activities such as exclusive access to the Alienware MSU Esports Lounge, a football stream, board games, cultural foods, and a self-care/mindfulness space.
The DEI office also partnered with the Center for Community Engaged Learning for this event. Attendees decorated “supper bags” for Kids’ Food Basket, supporting their mission to deliver approximately 8,800 sack suppers to students throughout West Michigan. This provided attendees with a hands-on experience of giving back to the community while also enjoying the event.
As a ComArtSci alumna, Flowers was ecstatic to put on this event.
“It felt incredibly fulfilling to put on this event as a ComArtSci alum,” Flowers said. “Being able to support and spotlight our student organizations while providing a relaxing space for students was meaningful to me. When I was a student at MSU, I remember wanting more opportunities for our student body to connect with students across our majors beyond the classroom. We would often see familiar faces in our courses or online discussions, but rarely had the chance to pause from academics and build real connections. This event feels like a step toward creating a more connected and collaborative community within ComArtSci, which I only hope continues to grow through our office’s efforts.”
After the positive outcome and high participation rate, Gaines is hopeful they will be able to hold this event again next year.
“We definitely plan to apply for the STATE after DARK grants from University Health and Wellness again next year. Our recent event demonstrated clearly that when presented with fun and creative opportunities, Spartans enthusiastically choose to celebrate in healthier, more connected ways,” Gaines said.
By Logan Chrisinske