--- title: "The Multicultural Center | Student Life" url: "/campus-life/the-multicultural-center" type: page date: 2026-06-03 updated: 2026-06-03 --- # The Multicultural Center | Student Life Campus Life # The Multicultural Center Through educational programs, events and community partnerships, the Center promotes cultural awareness, social justice and meaningful dialogue while celebrating the diverse identities and experiences that enrich the Manhattan University community. Image ![Image for the Multicultural Center](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/umbrella-sky-v3.jpg?h=4c5cf7df&itok=0IaCdM9F) The mission of the Multicultural Center is to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of our community, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, age, abilities, or socio-economic background. **Celebrating Diversity** We celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, identities, and perspectives that make up our community. We value respect the uniqueness of every environment where every person feels valued, heard, and respected. **Promoting Inclusion** We actively work to break down barriers and create an inclusive environment where every person feels valued, heard, and respected. **Educating and Raising Awareness** We provide educational programs, resources, and events that promote cultural awareness, social justice, and equity. We seek to challenge biases and stereotypes. **Fostering Dialogue and Understanding** We provide a platform for open and respectful dialogue about diversity-related issues, encouraging empathy, understanding, and constructive conversations. **Collaborating Across Communities** We collaborate with other offices, organizations, and communities to create a more cohesive and inclusive campus or community. **Creating a Safe Space** We strive to maintain a safe and supportive physical and emotional environment, free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. ## Annual Events ### Heritage Months At Manhattan University, we celebrate the diversity of the institution and of the city in which we are proud to be located. Every month, along with the rest of the country, we celebrate Heritage Months. We host events that celebrate our representative cultures including, but not limited to, Irish Heritage Month, Latino Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Native American Heritage Month. ## Multicultural Student Organizations Learn more about student clubs that focus on multiculturalism. Image ![a colorful illustration celebrating many cultures](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/FuerzaLatina_768x576.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=nRFsGopk) [Fuerza Latina ](/campus-life/clubs-orgs/fuerza-latina)Making empanadas, practicing salsa dance and learning the art of Caribbean steel drumming are just a few of the cultural traditions you'll enjoy as a member of Fuerza Latina, a club that immerses the campus community in Hispanic culture. Image ![members of the Gaelic society march in a parade with a banner](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/Gaelic%20Society%20photo.jpeg?h=b6236d98&itok=Cx5vUlMG) [Gaelic Society ](/campus-life/clubs-orgs/gaelic-society)The Gaelic Society invites students of Irish descent to reconnect with their heritage through a series of sponsored events, including New York City's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Image ![The Italian flag waving on a pole above a building](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/ItalianClub_768x576.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=bJ0QoN8l) [Il Circolo Dante Alighieri (Italian Club) ](/campus-life/clubs-orgs/italian-club)Pizza, meatballs and classic Italian movies are among the treats enjoyed by Il Circolo Dante Alighieri (Italian Club) members, who also annually visit Little Italy to take part in the Feast of San Gennaro on New York City's Mulberry Street. Image ![Group of students sitting on the steps taking a selfie](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-02/2026-international-3200x2000.jpg?h=1cb48fc4&itok=LoO1SuXI) [International Student Association ](/campus-life/clubs-orgs/international-student-association)The International Student Association sponsors a variety of events throughout the year including the highly popular International Night, an evening of live performances and international delicacies. Image ![a group of people stand in front of a rainbow colored wall](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-04/10.11.23_Pride_Center_Opening_WERNER_13.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=LsG1mI_Y) [Rainbow Jaspers LGBTQ+ ](/campus-life/clubs-orgs/rainbow-jaspers)The Rainbow Jaspers LGBTQ+ club is an organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, their partners and their supporters. The club connects, supports and spreads awareness of the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Image ![a student is seated on a rug, reading a book in Arabic](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/MuslimStudentAssoc_768x576.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=G7RQEc3Y) [Muslim Student Association ](/campus-life/clubs-orgs/muslim-student-association)The Muslim Student Association sponsors a weekly Jummah Prayer facilitated by our Muslim Chaplain, as well as other cultural events throughout the year. Image ![the logo for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/SHPE_768x576.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=ytmdsTlb) [SHPE: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers ](/campus-life/clubs-orgs/shpe)The [Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)](http://www.shpe.org/) changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. Image ![a person applies henna on another person's hand in a traditional pattern](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/SASA_768x576.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=0NxLgD16) [SASA: South Asian Student Association ](/campus-life/clubs-orgs/sasa)