“Many Voices, One Community,” Diversity Week 2026 at Sitting Bull College
This week, our campus came together for Diversity Week 2026, a series of events hosted by the SBC Curriculum and Assessment Committee. Under the theme, “Many Voices, One Community,” the week was dedicated to conversations, activities and shared experiences that highlight the diverse perspectives within our campus community. The events throughout the past 3 days invited students, faculty and staff to celebrate the diverse perspectives and cultural traditions that define our campus. From theatrical explorations of the human heart to the heritage food potluck, the week was designed to remind us how unique backgrounds contribute to a single, vibrant community.
Dr. Dana Aspinall highlighted how Shakespeare’s work reflects a surprising diversity of perspectives, identities and social roles for its time, showing that human emotions like love, jealousy and humor are universal across cultures and eras. He emphasized that even in the Renaissance period, Shakespeare explored different viewpoints and relationships in ways that still resonate with modern audiences. Students, faculty and staff enjoyed a British themed lunch, Renaissance music and a dramatic reading from a Midsummer Night’s Dream, where SBC Instructor Renee Froelich and Chris Fried portrayed Titania, the fairy queen and Nick Bottom, the comical “donkey” figure. The scene featured the humorous moment when Titania awakens and falls in love with Bottom in his transformed state. After the reading, Dr. Aspinall discussed the experience of falling in love, connecting the exaggerated, magical version in the play to real human emotions, how love can feel irrational, overwhelming and even a little foolish. He encouraged everyone to continue exploring Shakespeare’s plays to better appreciate both their timeless themes and their rich variety of characters and stories.
The Many Voices, One Community Student Summit brought our campus together in a spirit of learning, reflection, and belonging. Throughout the day, voices from many backgrounds shared stories of leadership, heritage, resilience, and respect. Students and guests listened, laughed, learned, and joined in activities that reminded us that community is not built in silence, but in conversation and shared experience. We would like to thank SRST Chairman Steve Sitting Bear for his thoughtful remarks about leadership and community building, SBC Student and Miss Standing Rock Khanthamalee Herrera on her Laotian heritage presentation, and SBC Psychology Professor and writer Jessica Brockel on her moving presentation on perseverance in the face of adversity. In addition to lively moments of teamwork and celebration, the summit reflected the strength that grows when many voices are welcomed at one table. It was a day that honored both what makes us different and what calls us together as one community.
Diversity Week concluded with the Heritage Foods Potluck where students, faculty and staff were invited to bring a heritage dish to share, creating a space where traditions and stories that shape our campus can be enjoyed by all. This final gathering offered a meaningful way to reflect on the week’s events, allowing us to celebrate the diversity of our campus and create one shared community. We want to thank all the faculty, staff, and student for their engagement and participation throughout the week. Your presence, your stories, and your spirit helped make Diversity Week 2026 a meaningful celebration of our differences and our shared sense of community.