A major reno for the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center is making for a more welcoming space for diverse students and their allies.
The Damietta Center, located in SSU 207, is an informal gathering lounge for Saints to share meals and conversation, relax, study, or plan events. There is designated storage for affinity groups such as the Muslim, Latinx and Asian student associations, the Black Student Union and Pride Gay-Straight Alliance. Murals and photos featuring their activities adorn the walls.
The goal of the upgrade was to declutter the space and make it more inviting and practical for students, as well as give it a “brand,” according to Director Br. George Camacho, O.F.M.
“Damietta has a lot to offer and so do its people,” he said. “It’s a respectful, non-judgmental space that is open to everyone. We are not calling this a ‘safe space,’ but rather a ‘brave space’ where students can lean into discomfort and talk about important issues while making new friends.”
Colleen Sheedy of the Mission Office and Art Director Sergio Sericolo headed up the redesign efforts. Fr. Greg Gebbia, O.F.M. consulted during the initial phase. Tones of ochre and aqua dominate, which reflect the vivid colors of the mural located just outside the Center’s door of St. Francis of Assisi and the Islamic leader Sultan Malik Al-Kamil meeting in Damietta, Egypt in 1219.
Br. Robert Lentz, O.F.M. of St. Bonaventure University created the icon and allowed Siena to use it at the center. He said, “the encounter at Damietta belongs both to history and to myth. We have evidence in the life of St. Francis himself that indicates how that encounter changed him and influenced what he hoped to pass on to his followers.” In a similar fashion at Siena’s Damietta Center, explained Br. George, “we seek to build relationships and foster mutual understanding among students of different backgrounds, identities, and beliefs.”
In addition to comfy furniture, and a massive aqua bean bag seat that is proving to be a big hit, the Center features a TV, fridge, charging station, board games and an Xbox station. It’s open the same hours as the SSU.
The Damietta Cross-Cultural Center is more, though, than this gathering area. Damietta hosts diversity training and workshops for various campus groups, and co-sponsors concerts, dialogues and other special events throughout the year, most recently celebrations of Latinx Heritage Month and LGBT History Month. Br. George said a blessing ceremony for the new space will be planned next year.
“Every new person who comes in is welcomed by whoever is already there. It’s a very inviting place: you are bombarded at the door with welcome in the very best way possible. It’s also especially refreshing to be able to gather together after COVID.”
Alyssa Blanco ’24
“Helping newcomers feel welcome is what we’re all about.”
David DaCosta ’23
