A host of events, including two that are open to the public, are planned at Ashford University to celebrate Diversity Week Nov. 5-9.

“Ashford University is a diverse student community,” said Charlott Glowacki, student access and wellness specialist. Students who attend the Clinton, Iowa campus come from across the United States as well as from 30 distinctive international countries.

“To have a greater understanding of each other’s cultures and backgrounds promotes not only the social well-being of one another, but also provides an educational opportunity for working with others in a global marketplace, continued Glowacki. “Diversity Week recognizes what Ashford University students have exposure to everyday, while highlighting our strengths and contributions as they become leaders within the world.”

The week’s activities begin on Monday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the university’s Peace Garden (located across from the Durgin Educational Center) where students will choose a color to represent themselves and then place their handprint on a banner to be displayed by the St. Francis Gym. The banner will be accented by signs saying “welcome” in many of the languages spoken by Ashford students. “Also, campus clubs that celebrate diversity will display information so students can be aware of how we embrace diversity and how one can join,” said Glowacki.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the St. Clare courtyard, students will sample a bit of Australian culture when they get to customize their own boomerangs. They will then test their skills by throwing their creations into the pouch of a kangaroo cutout. Other showcased cultures will include South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. The main entrée served in the Dining Hall during Diversity Week will reflect each day’s highlighted culture.

Back by popular demand, Ashford students will showcase fashions from various countries on the runway at the BW Purple and Gold Room during a fashion show on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. “Many students who attend Ashford University as international students have their native land fashions and costumes to wear for this evening to not only delight, but educate the crowds,” Glowacki said. Akum Tsewole from Cameroon, who will be giving campus presentations the next day, will also be walking the runway with his native country’s fashions. Refreshments will be served and this event will be live, web-streamed for Ashford University’s online students.

 “Social Action and Community Service – Blending Diversity and Wellness” is the title of the presentation Tsewole will give from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. in St. Francis Gym on Thursday, Nov. 8. The founder of a non-profit cancer awareness organization will discuss the diversity of cancer and how community service can be implemented. This event will be recorded and published for Ashford University online students. Light refreshments will be served.

Also on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. in Mullany Theater, Tsewole will present “The Diversity of Cancer and the Effects on Africans around the World.” The free event is open to the public. This event will also be web-streamed live for Ashford’s online students, as well.

Ashford University’s Diversity Week culminates with a Chinese Healing Gong Concert at 7 p.m. in the Mullany Theater on Friday, Nov. 9. Carl Edward Davis, a certified medium and clairvoyant counselor, returns to Ashford University for an encore performance of his 2011 gong concert. In 1991, Davis, who is from St. Louis, MO, was inspired to go to China to study with the Buddhist priests at the Sholin Temple. While there, he had a vision of an Ancient One, who told him of an instrument that heals by vibration and sound, an instrument that had not been on Earth for 6000 years. Davis was told that the keys to harmonizing and healing the body and spirit can be found within this instrument. It took him four and a half years to return to China to see if such an instrument could even be created. The gong concert is free and open to the public and will also be web-streamed live.

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.