Community Voices and Interactive Exhibits Highlight KSUnite 2024 at K-State

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University held its KSUnite event Wednesday at the K-State Student Union, featuring a community voices panel and emphasizing the message "You belong at Kansas State. "Also available was an interactive exhibit that allowed visitors to create video portraits and view stories from fellow Wildcats. The project, rooted in the university's people-centered value, aimed to highlight how each individual's unique identity, voice, and experience contributed to K-State's culture.

The event began with a free lunch provided by Qdoba, followed by a panel discussion. Panelists included Don Saucier, university distinguished teaching scholar and professor of psychological sciences; Eulonda "Lonnie" Moore, education specialist with Facilities; Victoria Nibarger, alumna and foreign service officer for the U.S. Department of State; Xatyiswa "Exy" Maqshalala, doctoral student in leadership communication; and Andrew Le, junior in political science and SGA senator.

Saucier's statement, "You belong at Kansas State," resonated with attendees, particularly those from campus radio station Wildcat 91.9. Our station has been using a similar message, "#YouBelong," in our broadcasts, an initiative started by late Chief Operator Ian Punnett.

The event concluded with an appearance by Willie the Wildcat and an ice cream social. University leaders, including Thomas Lane, Kevin Gwinner, Ethan Erickson, Rana Johnson, and Bin Ning, served ice cream from Call Hall.

Organizers hope the event will continue to promote diversity and inclusion at Kansas State University in the future.