At a glance
“Our place is what I call a third space. It is not a classroom space nor a residential space, but it is a gathering space. A student can just come in and sit and talk with other students. Our cultural life ambassadors do programming for the whole campus and lots of their work centers around awareness of different identities and different cultural moments.”
Afua Boahene
Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The door to the Cultural Life Center (CLC) at Alfred State College (ASC) is open to all and Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Afua Boahene is one of the smiling faces you will meet when you enter. This sense of belonging and togetherness is reflected in Alfred State's call for students to be smarter, be stronger, be yourself, and be-YOU-tiful.
Located on the fourth floor in the Student Leadership Center, the CLC is a space for students to gather to feel safe and make connections. “My role is to promote belonging, acceptance, and respect. It does not matter where you come from, it does not matter what region of the world, or what race or religion you are, you are accepted here. The office is really trying to increase opportunities for students to learn about different cultures and break down barriers.”
Boahene joined the Alfred State community four years ago and fell in love with the caring and supportive campus. “Alfred is super student-centered. People really want to help students. Alfred is also a very warm and giving community.”
Students can interact with the Cultural Life Center in a variety of ways. They can participate in programming coordinated by staff members like Boahene, interact with student cultural life ambassadors, visit weekly information tables, attend weekly cultural trivia contests, or use the large community table in the office as a gathering place.
The office is also a resource to the cultural life clubs on campus and enhances their programming efforts.
“Our place is what I call a third space. It is not a classroom space nor a residential space, but it is a gathering space. A student can just come in and sit and talk with other students. Our cultural life ambassadors do programming for the whole campus and lots of their work centers around awareness of different identities and different cultural moments.”
The Cultural Life Center is also a resource for students. “Our office works with students and offers training and workshops. We also connect students to other resources to help them understand options and help them deal with things in a positive way.”
When asked to describe Alfred State in three words, Boahene quickly responded with, “caring, welcoming, home.”
These descriptions are also indicative of what students will find in the Cultural Life Center. The CLC educates and celebrates cultural events throughout the school year. Visit the ASC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webpage for more information.