Diversity advocate hired

By Erin Berry
Staff Writer

There is a new addition to the Multicultural Center, in the form of an administrative position designed to help students with diverse
backgrounds.

With over 2,000 students classified as minorities, it is no surprise
that UNCP needed an advocate for representing its many minority
members.

Robert Canida, who was a faculty member with the Sampson-Livermore
Library, has moved to the position as director of Minority Affairs. The
Minority Affairs Office, which is located in the Multicultural Center, was
established as an advocate for celebrating diversity.

“I think beyond race and instead, I think of cultures,” Canida said.

The center has programs planned for Hispanic Heritage Month, which started on Sept. 15 and will last through Oct. 15.

According to Canida, this celebration is not only for Hispanic students, but it is for anyone interested in learning more about a different culture. Another program that is just getting on its feet is “minority peer mentoring,” which teams a freshman with an upperclassman.

Students will also be able “to gain personal enrichment as well as guidance during their college careers. The programs will allow (them) to understand diversity better,” said Canida.

Canida stressed that, “I’m going to do my best to help students know more about diversity globally.”