Northampton Community College (NCC) is committed to providing an environment where students, faculty, and staff feel welcomed and valued. One way the College does so is by encouraging special interest or cultural groups and events, such as flag raising ceremonies.
The Hispanic Caucus held their Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony on September 18 on Bethlehem campus and October 8 on Pocono campus to align with Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place September 15 - October 15 each year. Due to unforeseen circumstances, both flag raisings had a few hiccups, but the Caucus persevered, successfully celebrating the Hispanic people proudly even in the face of adversity. The barriers seemed representative of the challenges many Hispanic people have faced historically.
The Hispanic Caucus flag raising was one of three NCC flag-raising ceremonies this fall held to recognize the accomplishments and struggles of certain cultural or special interest groups represented on campus.
Other events were:
NCC’s Executive Director of DEI, Gina Turner, PhD, said one way to help students, faculty, and staff feel welcomed at NCC is through clubs, events, observations and tactics, such as flag-raising ceremonies, that recognize and celebrate diverse backgrounds and interests.
An advisor to NCC’s Black Student Union, Turner is a member of NCC Pan African Caucus, a faculty/staff group that promotes the success of Pan African students, faculty, and staff. She has also been a psychology professor for many years, currently teaching a research methods course.
“I feel my two jobs are basically striving to achieve the same goal – to make life better by improving understanding, communication, and relationships to create a community where everyone can thrive,” she said. “Flag-raising events and other recognition activities are just one way of helping students and faculty learn more about the different lives and perspectives of one another.”
Many of these types of activities aim to engage students in campus life, she said, adding that studies show students who are more engaged in campus activities tend to also be more engaged in the classroom.
“Diversity is our strength. It’s inspiring to celebrate their differences,” said Turner. Turner considers diversity in many different forms. For example, many NCC students are older, often with full- or part-time jobs. Some are caring for children or elderly parents. NCC also has a substantial number of students who are in the military, reserves, or are military veterans.
NCC’s Director of Student Life & Leadership Development, Nykolai Bilchar Jr., said activities like the flag-raising events invite observers to walk away with a different perspective than they might have had otherwise. Bilchar chairs the LGBTQIA+ Caucus and oversees NCC’s more than 40 student clubs related to an academic area or special interest.
For many students, college is the first time they can openly identify as LGBTQIA+, he said. Here, they can find a community of peers who have experienced many of the same challenges they are experiencing, such as coming out to friends and family.
“We allow you to come into your own, knowing you’re valued and accepted,” he said.
NCC Professor of Counseling and College Success, Elba Carides, chairs the Hispanic Caucus, and she also advises NCC’s Hispanic American Cultural Club. With 21% of NCC students identifying as Hispanic or Latino, the Caucus is dedicated to promoting Hispanic cultures and advocating for the inclusion and success of Hispanic students and staff on campus and in the local community. Besides the flag raising, the event featured an explanation of the Hispanic flag and a Proclamation by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro read in English and Spanish. Music and a taco bar followed.
“These events are always festive occasions, with lots of music and snacks,” Carides said. Other Hispanic Heritage Celebration events included a Hispanic trivia game and a panel discussion during which NCC professionals shared their stories, challenges, and insights.
“When you encounter students, staff, and professors who look and talk like you, you don’t have to start from the beginning,” she said. “That goes for any race or ethnicity.”
The final event will acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by raising the Disability Pride Flag. An NCC student, a parent of a high school student, and a representative of the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) will speak at the event.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act gives educational rights to students with disabilities, said Associate Professor & Coordinator, Special Education, Robin Cunconan-Lahr. MS., JD. The event aims to make students, faculty, and staff more aware of the disability perspective.
“Education is not a ‘one size fits all approach,’” she said. “The IDEA requires students with disabilities to receive an appropriate education designed to meet their individualized learning needs through supports and services leading to successful educational outcomes.”
This fall featured just a small percentage of the numerous cultural and special interest events and happenings at NCC. The College continues to be committed to creating an environment where everyone can feel valued, respected, and supported. It strives to foster a better understanding of one another. e
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem PA 18020
610.861.5300
