‘Cultures on the Prairie’ Event at SMSU February 11

“Cultures on the Prairie of Southwest Minnesota,” an event which explores the various cultures that have come to southwest Minnesota in recent years, will be held from 8:30-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in the Conference Center Ballroom on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to explore the value of the various cultures that have come to this area, and to have a constructive dialogue as we begin to foster an inclusive attitude,” said Jefferson Lee, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The event will include several panel discussions, along with a student group presentation, videos, a presentation on the upcoming census, and a keynote address by SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya. Lunch will be served.

Cost of the event is $5, which covers the cost of lunch. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not necessary. To register online, go to: https://bit.ly/2mlZEQh.

“The Cultures on the Prairie event will be about new ethnic populations to the region, and how those groups can access employment, educational opportunities and services relating to transitioning and acceptance into their new community,” said Lee.

SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya, a Sri Lanka native who is in his first year as SMSU president, will give the keynote address at 12:45 p.m.

Cultures on the Prairie will include Employer/Workforce, Student and Adult panel discussions.

The schedule:

8:30-8:45 a.m.: Welcome

8:45-9:30 a.m.: Employer/Workforce Panel

98:30-9:45 a.m.: Video

9:45-10:15 a.m.: Table Talk

10:45-11:30 a.m.: Student Panel

11:30 a.m.-noon: Census Presentation

Noon-12:45 p.m.: Lunch

12:45-1:15 p.m.: Keynote Address, SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya

1:15-1:45 p.m.: ?Student Group Presentation

1:45-2 p.m.: Table Talk

2-2:45 p.m.: Adult Panel

2:35: Closing