The Special Corner on the Plaza Level
Mary Loeffler, SR, Human Development

Three years ago, the summer of 2000 to be exact, I was in the process of moving to Green Bay to start college in the Fall. I visited the American Intercultural Center (AIC) that summer. I thought it would be a good idea to introduce myself to the staff to get the “feel” of the center. Looking around I instinctively knew this would become “home away from home”.

Located in a corner of the library plaza level, the AIC is surrounded on two sides with high windows complimenting an already cozy atmosphere. Assorted cultural ornamentation is displayed around the room, depicting the cultures of Native American, African American, Southeast Asian, and Latino people. Conversation is abundant among the students who congregate here. Students readily ask others for help with homework. The AIC is well-known for bag lunch discussions, pot-luck meals, and many campus oriented workshops, presentations, and informational topic meetings.

Most importantly, the five people who comprise the academic advising as well as the administrative positions, gradually become friend, role model, and listener to all students, old and new. I took an instant liking to them as does everyone who meets them.. Three advisors, Misty Davids, Edmund BlackThunder, and Sao Vue are continuously tackling students’ problems, questions, academic concerns, or lending their ear to individuals with more personal issues. They are ready and willing to help in any way they can because they believe that students come first. Diane Ebbers is the AIC’s dedicated program assistant. She is the glue that holds us all together. Everyone who enters the AIC is welcomed with a smile and a friendly greeting from Diane. She is truly a wonderful presence in our midst. Diana Borrero-Lowe, our AIC Director is the influence surrounding the AIC family-like atmosphere. Diana brings a wealth of information and does not hesitate to share, if we ask, particularly her many endless stories. She is instrumental in attending our organizational meetings, enforcing policies, and reminding the students of the many activities happening each week.

The AIC offers technical services in the form of computers for students to use. Support staff include two work-study students, Justin Willis and Shia Vue Yang, who provide extra hours in the evening for students who have last minute papers to write or study for final exams or take a nap. Without their time the AIC would not stay open until 7 p.m. during the week.

All of these things come together in forming the diverse culture of the AIC. Since I have become a part of the AIC family, it is a good feeling to know I can come here and kick back, or vent some wrong, and feel comfortable doing it. I have met many wonderful people. I even remember some of their names! The center is my first stop and last of the day. It is good to see more and more students frequenting the center every semester. I would probably go home if the center were closed for some reason. I would miss out on socializing and hearing about campus events. The center is growing and in the future more space will be needed I’m sure. I am proud to be a part of the AIC.

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