The 15th annual University of Southern Indiana Multicultural Center (MCC) Essence of Excellence Summit will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, September 26 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. This year’s theme, “Developing Your Blueprint,” aims to provide all college students knowledge, tools and skills to achieve better versions of themselves.
Topics of discussion this year include social and emotional health; organization, time management, planning, and goal setting; software and technology skills; and professional development.
The schedule of events for the Summit is as follows:
Network Session – 3-3:45 p.m.
The goal of this session is to educate attendees on “The Art of Networking.” This is a desired and useful skill for future professional endeavors. The room will be arranged with bistro tables for general conversation and mingling and will also include the capturing of complimentary professional headshots.
Keynote Speaker/Dinner – 4-4:45 p.m.
Attendees will enjoy a short program including a keynote presentation by Dr. César Berríos, USI Assistant Dean of Students and Athletic Diversity and Inclusion Designee.
In his current role, Berríos helps students navigate higher education. With a student-centered mindset, he builds meaningful connections within the USI community, offering guidance, support and advocacy for all.
Berríos is a three-time USI alum, earning bachelor’s degrees in history and Spanish in 2013; a master’s degree in second language acquisition, language policy, and culture studies in 2018; and a doctorate in educational leadership in 2023.
Workshop Sessions – 5-7 p.m.
Workshop sessions offer another avenue to direct and enlighten attendees on a variety of topics geared toward growth and learning. Workshops are meant to be highly interactive. Though lecture is traditionally a part of the process, application and practice are the engaging opportunities that leave a lasting participant experience.
Order in the Court (Moderated Chat) – 7:15-7:45 p.m.
This will be the culmination of the Summit and will be focused on reflection and imparting final words of wisdom to attendees for the personal and professional journey ahead.
