Ohana Pre-Orientation Program
Sponsored by Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion
Ohana is Hawaiian for "family," and at Willamette University, family begins with our Ohana program. This pre-orientation program is designed to help multicultural students transition into the college atmosphere. Led by current WU students who have successfully integrated into the campus community, Ohana is a time to learn about Salem, Willamette, academic life and cultural resources. During Ohana students will also have an opportunity to meet key staff that will provide information regarding financial aid, living in residence halls, health services, and academic support services.
August
Opening Days Reception
Sponsored by IEI, TIUA and OIE
During Opening Days, August
Uwajimaya/Portland Trip
Sponsored by Hawai'i Club
A trip to Portland designed to help students become accustomed to the city and what it has to offer. Places visited include Powell’s Book Store, OMSI (Oregon, museum of science and industry), Waterfront, and Voodoo donuts.
October
Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month
Sponsored by ALIANZA
October
Guess the Straight Person
Sponsored by Rainbow Alliance
October
Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
Sponsored by ALIANZA
Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), a Mexican celebration, is a day to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed. WU celebrates with an altar and offerings of pan (bread), candles, incense, yellow marigolds and photos of those that have passed.
November
Native-American Heritage Month
Sponsored by NISU
November
Rice Cook-Off
Sponsored by ACA
An opportunity for students to show off cooking skills while building community with other multicultural students.
November
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Sponsored by IEI
A one to two-week themed celebration in honor of the Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. that occurs in January. The celebration is comprised of guest speakers, programs surrounding diversity and social justice, the Willamette Pledge and opportunities for service.
January
Ohana Leadership Selection
Sponsored by IEI
February
Black History Month
Sponsored by IEI
February
Annual Social Pow wow
Sponsored by NISU
This annual event represents Native American Indians from western Tribal Nations in a unique atmosphere of expression through their arts, crafts, traditional foods, dances and songs. The Emcee explains the meanings and activities taking place on the arena floor.
March
Sakura Matsuri!
Sponsored by the Japan Studies Student Leaders
Sakura Matsuri is a festival held to welcome and celebrate the beautiful cherry blossoms around campus and across the street at the Oregon State Capital. Sakura (cherry blossoms) are entrenched in Japanese culture. The Japanese hold significance to the sakura as a representation of the ephemeral and transient nature of life. Every year, Japan Studies Student Leaders, with the help of many American Studies Program and Willamette University volunteers, host this festival filled with food, entertainment, and many cultural activities. Sakura Matsuri has free admission and is open to the Willamette, TIUA, and general Oregon community.
April
Lu'au
Sponsored by Hawai'i Club
An annual event sharing the Hawai’ian and Pacific Islander culture and traditions featuring food, music, flora and entertainment.
April
Genderfunk
Sponsored by Rainbow Alliance
Spring
National Day of Silence
Sponsored by Rainbow Alliance
Spring