For over 50 years, students at Michigan State University have advocated for a freestanding multicultural center. Today that tireless advocacy was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at the university’s new Multicultural Center. Designed with student participation throughout the building process, the center will foster dialogue and serve as a cultural hub for campus by hosting various events, workshops and social activities as well as by providing a platform for engagement, collaboration and learning.

“Today, we celebrate the vision, hard work and advocacy that have brought this beautiful center to life,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “The Multicultural Center reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming campus community where students of all backgrounds can thrive and be successful. We’re excited to see how this space will foster new relationships, deepen understanding and encourage intellectual curiosity and shared experiences.”

The ceremony featured remarks from university leadership, alums and students followed by the ribbon cutting. Afterward, attendees were invited to tour the space, explore its features and learn about the range of resources and programs available to all students.

“I am the proud parent of a current student who will now never know an MSU without a multicultural center,” said Samuel Saldivar, director of the Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy. “Seeing our students engage with the space so passionately is incredibly rewarding. Their excitement reaffirms the center’s impact, and I can’t wait to see how this space will inspire and shape their journeys at MSU.”

The Multicultural Center will be managed by the newly transitioned Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy, or OMEA, which was previously the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions. Moving OMEA to reside within the Multicultural Center will allow the office to expand its educational and community opportunities to undergraduate students and expand opportunities to support faculty, staff and graduate students.

“This new center is more than just a physical space — it’s a catalyst for student success,” said Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Genyne Royal. “By offering opportunities for personal growth, cross-cultural collaboration and academic development, this center will help empower students to excel both inside and outside the classroom.”

The vision for a freestanding multicultural center at MSU has deep historical roots, beginning during the Civil Rights Movement and continuing through decades of advocacy by student groups, who were joined in their efforts by faculty, staff and alums, all of whom were united in their calls for creating an environment where all students can thrive and succeed.

“The efforts of these students have created a lasting legacy that continues to shape the university,” said Vennie Gore, who has been appointed as the next executive vice president for administration and is currently serving in a special advisory role. “This center is not only a symbol of their perseverance but a promise that their vision for student success, inclusion and empowerment will endure for generations to come.”

The Multicultural Center was designed with significant input from students, ensuring their voices were heard and included in every aspect of the process. Engagement sessions and feedback opportunities allowed over 60 student ambassadors to play key roles, including contributing to the planning and steering committees to help create the space now gracing the corner of North Shaw and Farm lanes.

“This facility is a direct result of decades of student-led advocacy, leadership and vision. Their passion and commitment have shaped and illuminated this space, ensuring it reflects the aspirations and values of our Spartan community,” said Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.

SmithGroup was selected for the design in January 2022, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in April 2023. Infrastructure Planning and Facilities oversaw the management of construction from start to finish, ensuring the most student engagement of any project. The building’s design philosophy is rooted in the universality of the human condition, transcending cultural, physical and geographical differences. The spirit of Sankofa, a symbol and philosophy originating from the Akan people of Ghana, emphasizes the importance of remembering and retrieving valuable lessons from the past to build a better future. This philosophy emerged from student engagement sessions, which highlighted the importance of acknowledging the past to move forward.

Construction of the new building cost approximately $38 million, was funded through general revenue bonds, and was completed on time. The 34,000-square-foot building features an interior design that emphasizes flexibility, inclusivity and accessibility. Highlights include a community kitchen, which will serve as the “social heart” of the second floor and underscores the importance of food in uniting diverse cultures and communities.

“Students played a pivotal role in shaping the MSU Multicultural Center, with over 60 student ambassadors helping craft its design to meet the needs of underrepresented groups," said Monteil Crawley, Senior Principal at SmithGroup. "From its prominent yet protective exterior to its flexible, customizable interiors, the design fosters inclusivity and creates a welcoming environment where the MSU community can engage, collaborate and thrive."