Multicultural Orientation Reception marks 25 years

One of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s longest-running and most successful student orientation programs is marking its 25th anniversary.

The Multicultural Orientation Reception (MCOR), which welcomes students of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds into the campus community, will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, in Memorial Union (check Today in the Union for location).

The event, which typically attracts more than 1,000 new and returning students, is free and open to the campus community. It gives students an opportunity to meet and make friends, as well as building relationships with faculty and staff, as they begin their academic careers.

MCOR was first organized by UW–Madison staff in 1981 as a way to integrate students from underrepresented groups into the university community, says Candace McDowell, director of the Multicultural Student Center and event organizer. Since then, the event has drawn participants from an ever-wider spectrum of the campus community.

“We hope to inspire, equip and engage students at MCOR so that they can have a fulfilling experience at UW–Madison,” says McDowell. “Every year, the event gets bigger and bigger. We hear back from alumni that this is one of the most memorable experiences they have on campus.”

The 25th anniversary celebration will recap and rekindle past experiences and historical moments associated with MCOR. Prizes and a special performance by Ballet Folklorico will highlight this year’s celebration.

The event’s multicultural performance showcase will run from 7-9:30 p.m. in the Wisconsin Union Theater. A multicultural student organization and academic services resource fair will follow at 9:30-10:30 p.m., and a social and dance will be held from 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., both in the Union’s Great Hall.

The event is spearheaded by the Multicultural Student Center and financially co-sponsored by the following campus partners: Multicultural Council and Multicultural Student Coalition, Associated Students of Madison, University Housing, College of Letters and Science-Pathways Program, University Health Services, UW Police, Wisconsin Union Directorate and the Diversity Education Program.