Ensuring Belonging for All
EDI celebrates students’ return to campus with Welcome Back Bash
Music, food, and fun as hundreds turn out for the annual EDI kick-off event of the academic year.
September 5, 2023
On August 29, on the Tanner Plaza behind the University Union, more than 300 students, faculty, and staff gathered for the annual Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Welcome Back Bash. While EDI staff and campus partners made sure the focus stayed on the students, a DJ kept a steady stream of upbeat tracks playing in the background.
“We all love the Welcome Back Bash,” Assistant VP for EDI and Chief Diversity Officer, Emma E. Houston said. Houston, who served as MC for this year’s event, added “I never get tired of welcoming the students back to campus—every year brings something new!” More than a dozen cultural and resource centers, student services, and other campus groups and offices participated in this year’s event, the biggest ever. Many showed up early to set up their own tables with materials, contact information, and swag—and stayed late to answer student questions about their organizations. “It was so great seeing the students again—we love the energy they bring to campus,” said Sara Cody, program coordinator for the Black Cultural Center (BCC).
One student, David, who was attending the Bash for the first time said he found the event “very welcoming—very fun!”—and another added, “there’s a lot of clubs and things [at] the University of Utah that I didn’t know … and I found a couple that I’m really excited about!” At many of the tables, crowds of students could be heard asking their own questions and learning about the various campus and community groups from friendly representatives. The number and variety of participating groups ensured that there was something at the Welcome Back Bash for everyone.
AVP Houston oversaw opportunity drawings, handing out University of Utah backpacks, hoodies, tailgate flags, and fleece throws to lucky students. Students collected stickers from the centers they visited at the Bash—then turned them in for free Firehouse subs and drinks. Nearly 300 turkey, ham, pastrami, and veggie subs were passed out to hungry students at the event.
At the table for the Center for Equity and Student Belonging (CESB), Director Cassie Zamora-Cathcart took a moment to survey the students talking and enjoying a quick bite in the shade of Tanner Plaza. She noted the great turnout, then added “it’s exciting seeing so many groups here—from the Women’s Resource Center to the LGBT Resource Center and American Indian Resource Center—to Hillel for Utah and the LDS Student Association. It really shows students how much we have here for them.” Other participating partners included the Dream Center; the Native American Research Internship; the School for Cultural & Social Transformation; TRIO; U of U Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Utah Presents.
Students and others who are interested in learning more about EDI at the University of Utah, its many campus partners, or finding out about upcoming events and activities are invited to explore the EDI website and events calendar. And to learn more about how you can join us in building a campus community where everyone knows they belong, visit the Celebrating U Completely page.