By Abby Kozal, Culture Editor
Aquinas College’s Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity took to Instagram on Feb. 11 to announce the opening of the Sylvia Rivera Student Center. The new space in Lower Donnelly is designed as a social area for all Aquinas students to converse in a safe supportive environment.
The center is named after Sylvia Rivera, an activist who was instrumental in the Stonewall Riots and the fight for transgender rights. “She was a big catalyst for the LGBTQ movement,” said Diversity Assistant (DA) Drew Huegli, who helped come up with the name for the center. “We know of people like Marsha P. Johnson, but Sylvia Rivera was also there at Stonewall and is not talked about as much, so we thought it would be important to dedicate this space to her to help bring more recognition to her achievements as well.”
“Even with the name, this place is setting up and laying down the foundations for the things that CDI&E supports and what we stand for,” said Esperanza Garcia, Student Engagement Coordinator for CDI&E.
Located behind the Res Life Central Desk, the new space has plenty of amenities. Students are invited to come and sit on bean bag chairs or help themselves to a cup of coffee while doing a craft or using a coloring book. Among the amenities is a mini projector students can use to watch movies.
Inside the Sylvia Rivera Center – Photo by Abby Kozal
“It’s also just another place on campus to sit and relax,” said Diversity Assistant Maddie Bocian. “I always come in here to do homework. And now with the Moose not open during certain times, you can come down here to do your homework and hang out.”
“I think it’s important to say that this isn’t a space just if you need to talk to someone. This is a space for anything,” Huegli said.
“Especially for commuters too,” Bocian added. “Like, if you don’t have an apartment on campus, you can just come down here and grab a snack.”
Previously, the CDI&E offices were located in the Upper Moose. The former space had been shared at times with Student Senate and other SAO workers. Now, they have a dedicated space of their own.
The staff believes that their new location in Lower Donnelly allows for a more welcoming, social environment. Their updated schedule reflects this by allotting office hours for students to come in and talk with the DAs, whether that be with an issue on campus or to just get to know them.
“It makes us as DAs more accessible to the student body,” Huegli said. “We specifically dedicate time in our office hours to be there for people.”
New office hours for Diversity Assistants – Photo by @aqdiversity on Instagram
Office hours are not the only time the center operates. The Sylvia Rivera Center will be open for all students on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..
“With us recognizing Rivera’s work, it is us saying that that is work we support,” Garcia said, “and it is work we also find necessary in the present day and in the past. We find it foundational for communities to feel safe and welcome.”
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