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Photos: WSB Celebrates Grand Opening of Multicultural Center

By Betsy Lundgren | Photography by Paul L. Newby II and Joshua Prado

September 20, 2022

On September 9, 2022, the Wisconsin School of Business celebrated the grand opening of its Multicultural Center, becoming a leader among the country’s business schools in creating a dedicated space for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“This is a momentous occasion,” said Arturo “Tito” Diaz (BS ’15), the Kemper Foundation Director of the Multicultural Center, at the opening celebration. “Our Multicultural Center is among the first in the nation specific to a university business school. And it belongs to all of us.”

The grand opening—which included events for both students and faculty, staff, and community members—showcased the new space and its programming, and shone a spotlight on the many people involved in its development.

Diaz shared how WSB’s Multicultural Center was founded out of student advocacy, born from an idea that built momentum among students and ultimately became a reality with the support of school leadership, faculty, and staff.

“This is the culmination of a dream that began almost three years ago,” reflected Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, WSB’s Albert O. Nicholas Dean. “The Multicultural Center is a space for learning, conversation, and exploration. Over time, it will become a signature element of Grainger Hall and the Wisconsin School of Business.”

The Multicultural Center is housed on the second floor of Grainger Hall (rooms 2250 and 2256) and includes a multifunctional commons area, conference room, two offices, quiet study space, and a mediation/prayer/wellness room. It offers a range of events and programming, including mentorship opportunities, alumni panels, workshops, and discussions.

“The space is so much more than its physical self,” said Diaz. “It’s all the people, programs, and efforts that have helped it come to be.”

Below are photos from the grand opening celebration.

Arturo "Tito" Diaz welcomes attendees at the Multicultural Center grand opening.
Arturo “Tito” Diaz (BS ’15), the Kemper Foundation Director of the Multicultural Center, welcomes attendees to the grand opening of WSB’s Multicultural Center.
Dean Vallabh Sambamurthy welcomes attendees at the Multicultural Center grand opening.
Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, WSB’s Albert O. Nicholas Dean, shares remarks in the Plenary Room at Grainger Hall before attendees were led on tours through the new Multicultural Center.
Attendees view art in the new Multicultural Center at the Wisconsin School of Business.
Artwork lines the walls of the Multicultural Center thanks to the efforts of four Wisconsin MBA students who secured money from the UW–Madison Green Fund to purchase art that reflects the mission of the space.
A large gathering space in the new Multicultural Center at the Wisconsin School of Business.
The Multicultural Commons is a multifunctional space, used for individual study, group meetings, and events.
Attendees view the new Multicultural Center at the Wisconsin School of Business.
Attendees from across campus and the broader community tour the Multicultural Center during the grand opening.
Arturo "Tito" Diaz speaks with Dean Sambamurthy at the Multicultural Center grand opening.
Diaz and Sambamurthy welcome Sarah Schutt, chief alumni officer and executive director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, to WSB’s Multicultural Center.
The meditation room at the new Multicultural Center at the Wisconsin School of Business.
The Multicultural Center houses a quiet space for meditation, prayer, and wellness.
Arturo "Tito" Diaz speaks to a small group at the Multicultural Center grand opening.
Diaz speaks with Uchenna Hicks (left) and Becca Allpow of The Kemper Foundation, which has committed funds to support diversity and inclusion efforts at WSB. The donation supports the Kemper Scholars Program and the Multicultural Center directorship position.
A group of students laugh together at the Multicultural Center grand opening.
Business Badgers celebrate the Multicultural Center’s grand opening.
A group of students take a selfie at the Multicultural Center grand opening.
Laura Rincon (MBA ’23), left, snaps a selfie with fellow students. Rincon serves as a project assistant to develop programming for the Multicultural Center.
A group of students enjoy food and entertainment at the Multicultural Center grand opening.
WSB students enjoy music and refreshments during the opening events.
A group of students pose for a photo at the Multicultural Center grand opening.
The Multicultural Center is designed to build community, celebrate culture, and foster a sense of belonging among Business Badgers.

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