As the Multicultural Center’s (MCC) week-long programming came to an end in early November 2023, the staff became increasingly aware of a lack of facilities and spaces to host their clubs. The MCC serves as an environment for individuals from different cultures to promote perspectives from varied backgrounds.

MCC week aimed to raise funds and cultivate experiential learning opportunities, enriching students’ understanding of diverse traditions and fostering a stronger sense of community. Programs, such as MCC Thrift, Townhall and Fall Festival, among others, were hosted in the Shapell Lounge and the Alameda Lawn. With this series of events spotlighting the institution's core values, the MCC was once again confronted with the potential need for expansion.

Multicultural Center representatives, students, faculty and staff meet in Shapell Lounge to discuss the expansion of the MCC space. *Daniel Martinez*

“We have hundreds of students going in and out of the space on a weekly basis, yet only have one large space for the clubs to host their general meetings, forcing them to have them at undesirable times which are difficult for the campus community to attend,” said senior Tanvi Syed, the director of the MCC.

Consisting of 16 organizations that each host large cultural programming events, the MCC has outgrown its existing space, which leadership believes inappropriate for the number of students who utilize the space.

The cross-campus collaborations highlighted were with Activities Programming Board’s (APB) Fall Festival and The Santa Clara Review’s Spoken Word/Poetry Night. These events focus on identity, gratitude and cultural appreciation.

The Shapell Lounge became the MCC's home after the Unity 3 movement in 2000. Since then, more than ten organizations have joined the MCC umbrella and are confined to the same space. There are 210 leaders from these organizations that serve on various boards, contribute to space organization or work as part of the MCC Staff, all dedicated to supporting the broader community.

“Our space is the only operating facility on campus that also does not have a bathroom, running water or kitchen, which are all essentials to the events our clubs host in the space,” said Syed.

The MCC community supports the Santa Clara community in a number of ways, serving as a refuge for graduate law students seeking a break between lectures, organizers of heritage month activities and for Global Village. The Shapell Lounge also functions as a learning space for the Santa Clara Community Action Program (SCCAP), which offers ESL instruction to Benson workers. According to Syed, expanding Shapell is crucial to ensure that everyone on campus who relies on it can truly flourish and thrive within its supportive environment.