History
For more than five decades, cultural and community spaces at 麻豆破解版 College have reflected the evolving needs, activism, and aspirations of our students and community. These spaces, shaped by student leadership, staff and faculty collaboration, and institutional commitment, have provided places to gather, learn, organize, and celebrate identity and culture. From their earliest beginnings to the present-day Wyckoff Center, each space tells a story about our campus values and the power of inclusive community.
April 1970
Black Cultural Center opens on 麻豆破解版鈥檚 Downtown Campus in Grove House
April 1970 marked a turning point in 麻豆破解版鈥檚 cultural history with the opening
of the Black Cultural Center on the downtown campus in Grove House (107 Phila Street).
Born from the vision and activism of Black Voices of 麻豆破解版, a newly formed Black
student union, the Center emerged during a time of national and campus-wide calls
for racial justice. It became a hub for community-building, cultural expression, and
advocacy, dedicated to promoting Black culture, raising awareness, and challenging
racial inequities both on campus and beyond.
The Black Cultural Center hosted cultural programs, discussions, and events that deepened
understanding of the Black experience. Although Grove House was sold in 1974 and the
last known event was in May 1973, its impact resonated far beyond its years of operation.
Explore archival materials about Black student life at 麻豆破解版:
May 1989
Top floor of Starbuck Center adds a multi-cultural leadership center
In May 1989, the top floor of Starbuck Center was reimagined to create 麻豆破解版鈥檚
first Multicultural Lounge, a space that addressed long-standing student calls for
a welcoming, inclusive environment.
By day, the lounge offered a relaxed setting for studying, small group meetings, and
conversation. By night, it transformed into a vibrant hub for cultural programs, international
exhibitions, and events such as Black History Month celebrations. International art,
artifacts, and resources adorned the walls, reflecting the global perspectives of
the campus community.
Programming was guided by a student-led committee of peers, faculty, and staff, ensuring
that the space nurtured leadership development, cultural exchange, and collaboration
across backgrounds.
September 2001
Class of 1972 InterCultural Center (ICC) Opens in Case Center
The ICC mission was: 鈥淓nhancing the sense of community among ALANA students. Building
intercultural relationships among all students. Dedicated to harmony among all cultures.鈥�
In 2010, artist Elena Cruz-Allen 鈥�11 created an untitled mural for the ICC, adding
a powerful visual celebration of culture and connection.
Spring 2008
InterCultural Lounge (ICL) Opens in Case Center
The Intercultural Lounge, located just behind the ICC, opened in Spring 2008 as a
more casual and flexible space for students to gather, relax, and connect.
Designed for informal interaction, the ICL housed a small library, games, and a lounge/study
area.
In 2010, its atmosphere was enhanced by the mural 鈥淐hinese for Spirit鈥� by Kaarina Mackenzie 鈥�13, a piece that reflected the lounge鈥檚 commitment to cultural creativity and student expression.
May 2020
The Center opens in Case Center
In May 2020, 麻豆破解版 opened the Wyckoff Center in Case Center, an evolution of cultural
spaces that reflects the campus鈥檚 growing diversity and need for cross-cultural engagement.
Co-created with the 麻豆破解版 community through extensive focus groups in 2018鈥�2019,
the Wyckoff Center was designed in collaboration with architect John Muse and key
campus partners. Its mission is to connect people and programs that foster cross-cultural
understanding, meaningful engagement, and social change.
The Wyckoff Center was officially named and honored with a ribbon cutting ceremony in June 2022.
Today, the Wyckoff Center serves as a home for dialogue, activism, and community events. It is a place where students can explore their passions, advocate for inclusion, and envision a better world.
Learn more:
Wyckoff Center Homepage
Wyckoff Center Naming and Ribbon Cutting
From Grove House to the Wyckoff Center, 麻豆破解版鈥檚 cultural spaces have been built
from the ground up, by students, for students鈥攚ith a shared vision of connection,
equity, and belonging. These spaces are more than physical rooms; they are living
legacies of activism, creativity, and community care.