The Student Finance Board assembled on Wednesday, Oct. 10, to discuss the funding of upcoming campus events hosted by the Asian American Association. The board also reviewed a request by the Black Student Union.
SFB agreed to allocate the Asian American Association a total of $4,071 in support of their annual Multicultural Buffet in addition to a fall concert. The board approved funding the Black Student Union’s “Break the Silence!” event as well for $3,156.
The Asian American Association plans to hold their annual Multicultural Buffet on Nov. 7 in the Brower Student Center Atrium. The buffet will feature a variety of foods from different cultures in the Asian community.
“Students will be able to experience different Asian cuisine. It allows for campus-wide diversity and learning about other cultures,” said Kinny Nahal, senior English major and a member of the AAA executive committee.
AAA will also be hosting a fall concert on Nov. 28, featuring Melissa Polinar of YouTube fame. Polinar’s music style is a mix of jazz, soul, blues and pop.
“Our goal with this concert is to spread Asian American talent in the media,” Nahal said.
SFB agreed to fully fund the Multicultural Buffet based on its success in the past years, allocating a total of $1,856. The board also agreed to fund $2,215 for the fall concert, but stipulated that changes of location be discussed, as well as select changes to the budget in regards to the singer’s accommodations.
The Black Student Union then presented their request to receive funding for their “Break the Silence!” event, which is to be held on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. in the Ernest and Mildred E. Mayo Concert Hall. The event will be cosponsored with Rider University’s Black Student Union. It will feature performers presenting a variety of poems. Students are also able to sign up and contribute to the performance. Each are given 10-15 minutes of stage time.
SFB raised concerns in regards to non-student attendance at this event, stating that it could become problematic if students at the College are not able to attend because students from Rider are filling the concert hall.
After much discussion and debate, SFB agreed to motion to fully fund the event, but stipulated that students here at the College are given priority in performance sign ups and are also admitted to the event first, leaving the remaining seats for non-students.
*Even though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee that these events will take place. The approval only makes the funds available.
