WCTC celebrates grand reopening of the Multicultural Engagement Center

Sherry, Dennis and Cyndy

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Thursday, Feb 10, 2022) -- Waukesha County Technical College’s Multicultural Resource Center is getting a new name -- Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) -- to better reflect its mission. To celebrate and commemorate the event, a week of activities is planned beginning on Monday, Feb. 21. Students, staff, faculty and the greater community are welcome to attend the celebration, which will feature food, tours, giveaways and more.

The MEC name change was driven primarily by the students who use the center as a place to meet, socialize and study, said Sherry Simmons, WCTC’s chief diversity and compliance officer, with the Office of Institutional Belonging, Access and Cultural Engagement (BACE).

“Our students voted to change the name, since to them, it’s so much more than a resource center,” Simmons said. “They call it a ‘home away from home’ and see it as a place of their own to engage with other students and staff.”

Additionally, the center was also closed for a short time for updates, including the addition of four offices, and upgraded meeting and shared spaces.

Below is an outline of events planned for the MEC grand opening week. (All events will take place at the MEC, which is located in the College Center behind the HUB, unless otherwise noted.):

•  Monday, Feb. 21, 12 to 1 p.m. -- MEC grand reopening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, general discussion on diversity topics, sharing of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan, and a reading of the Land Acknowledgment statement.
• Tuesday, Feb. 22, 11:30 a.m. -- Black History Month program featuring George Paasewe, who is an educator, entrepreneur, author and public speaker. 
  • This is virtual event. Webinar link: https://wctc.zoom.us/j/98086511262
• Wednesday, Feb. 23, 12 to 1 p.m. -- Open house tour and free pizza!
• Thursday, Feb. 24, 12 to1 p.m. -- Employees of Color Alliance group social
• Thursday, Feb. 24 and Friday, Feb. 25 -- 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -- Drop in for treats
• All week: Scavenger hunt – with prizes

WCTC is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The College’s Office of BACE advocates for members of the College community while emphasizing the importance of respect, cross-cultural relationships and identity development.