Inside Higher Ed | Albion College

Global Diversity

Statement of Purpose: The Global Diversity Theme Year focuses our attention on the interdependence of international, transnational, and local phenomena in order to understand how we shape and are shaped by systems and values. With experiences on and off campus, we deepen our understanding of our identities as responsible "global citizens" through our diversity and shared dependence on the natural environment.

Albion College Resource Links

• Albion College Office of Intercultural Affairs
• Albion College Umbrella Organizations
• Albion College Chaplain's Office

GLBTQA Resources

Sexual Assault and Harassment Resources

Women's Health and Wellness Resources

Women's Issues and Interests

Diversity Awareness Clubs and Organizations: Celebrate multiplicity. For a better world.

African-Caribbean Student Union
Relationships. Understanding. Awareness. We work to unite the sons and daughters of Africa and the Caribbean with those who are concerned and interested in the welfare of these regions. As a member, you’ll participate in constructive activities as you share the richness of these cultures. We also emphasize the major issues affecting Africa and the different islands of the Caribbean.

Asian Awareness Group
Our purpose is to celebrate and educate on Asian and Asian American culture. Join us for dinners in celebration of Diwali—the Indian Festival of Lights—and the Chinese Lunar New Year. Or for other cultural activities, like yoga, martial arts, and Asian films. Visit our website

Black Student Alliance (BSA)

Provide support. Eliminate racism, discrimination, and prejudice. That’s what we do. We’re here for the African American community of Albion College. Not only do we create educational programming to raise awareness and sensitivity, but we also sponsor Kwanzaa and the Taste of Blackness annually. You can find us in the James Welton House.

International Student Union
Enjoy the international flavor of Albion’s campus at dinners, dances, movies, even meetings. We work to bring together Albion's international students and encourage an appreciation of international relations among all Albion students.

LGBriTS
LGBriTs work on campus to raise awareness and recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues. Yes, we’re political: we sponsor films, speakers, hall programs, panels, and other campaigns. But we’re also social, with outings to concerts, bookstores, speakers, and restaurants.

Organization for Latino/a Awareness (OLA)
Explore, experience, and absorb culture through language, traditions, values, and music. Our educational, cultural, and social programs are focused on building understanding of both local and global Latin American communities. We’re here to preserve Latino/a history and culture, and to share the significance of this heritage along with current issues.

Power
We're here to rally around women and women's issues on campus, both as a support network and a resource. Our main event is The Vagina Monologues, and it’s performed every other February. Other events include, but are not limited to: V-Week, a week of events leading up to The Vagina Monologues; women's shelter visits; self-defense seminars; women's outings; open panel discussions; female speakers; and women's sports attendance.

Secular Humanist Group
If you're nonreligious, we can help you develop ideas and skills for living in a religious society. We're an open forum and a support group for nonreligious students. Make life meaningful by helping others and building long-lasting friendships.

Umbrella
Umbrella is the governing body for all multicultural student organizations. Our purpose is to create a "safe space" where each underrepresented student population is supported. We also provide an environment where students can voice concerns, struggles, and accomplishments, and we educate the Albion community about the diversity of cultures and customs.

Other Organizations which Value Diversity

Albion is a city of 9,144 residents (2000 US census) located on the eastern edge of Calhoun County in south central Michigan. A diverse and welcoming community located at the junction of the east and south branches of the Kalamazoo River, the city’s racial-ethnic mix is approximately 61% Caucasian, 33% African American, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.5% other groups. The median income for a household in the city is $30,245. Twenty percent of the population and 15% of families live below the poverty level, with children under the age of 18 making up over a quarter of those living in poverty.

For much of its history, Albion’s economy was rooted in agriculture and manufacturing. But with the closing of its last foundry in 2002 due to continuing changes in the automobile industry, Albion has entered a significant economic transition and diversification. Today, Albion College is the community’s largest employer, and economic expansion is occurring at the new Andersons ethanol plant on Albion’s west side, along with significant job growth at Guardian Industries (a producer of fiberglass insulation), Patriot Antenna Systems, and other area firms.

Although some businesses closed their doors in Albion during the last several years, the Albion Downtown Development Authority and the City of Albion have recently completed a marketing study that provides a blueprint for future growth. One of the key recommendations of this study is the redevelopment of the Cass Street corridor connecting the college campus with the downtown center, and the College is partnering with the City of Albion to make this linkage a reality.

Notwithstanding the economic challenges that have confronted many smaller communities in “rustbelt” states in the north central US, what is notable about Albion is the degree to which it lives up to its reputation as “The Friendliest College Town in the Midwest.” There is widespread collaboration among residents and organizations in the community with students and staff from the College on matters related to public education, faith-based organizations, recreation, business development, and the environment. Our students who are involved in the City of Albion consistently report how much their community work and relationships with community members are enriching their education and equipping them to be engaged, contributing citizens in our increasingly diverse and global society.

The future of Albion is promising. With a retooled local economy, a highly regarded and growing college, beautiful parks and countryside, and an impressive level of campus-community collaboration, we believe we are a model small city with much to offer to students, families, employers, and visitors.