Almost thirty years ago, on December 1st of 1989, a pivotal step was taken toward the future success, development, and education of students through the elevation of the Multicultural Services Center to department status. In its infancy, the Department of Multicultural Services (DMS) was charged with encouraging and promoting the inclusion of Black, Hispanic, and other minority students in all available programs, services, and curriculum provided by the University. Over the past 30 years, DMS has experienced substantial and consistent growth in its impact on students and campus life to now provide multiple educational and developmental initiatives that foster belonging, community, and inclusive learning environments as students thrive as members of the Aggie family. These initiatives provide leadership opportunities and intentional programming that inform, educate, engage, challenge, and enhance students’ development and global perspectives.
We are overwhelmingly proud of our past and grateful for all the individuals who worked to establish the department and make such a lasting impact on each and every student who came through its doors. We are equally enthusiastic about our continued legacy of being the home away from home where all who enter feel welcome. We have been diligently working to get the following event specifics in place:
DMS 30th Gala – Saturday, November 23rd
The Department of Multicultural Services will host its 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, November 23rd. The event will be held on the Texas A&M University Campus in the Bethancourt Ballroom of the Memorial Student Center. Gala tickets are available for purchase (each ticket includes one plus a guest) at an individual and 8-person table rate, and event proceeds will support Department of Multicultural Services affiliated students and affiliated student organizations.
Student Organization Celebration Socials – Saturday, November 23rd
Between 11:00am and 2:00pm, DMS student organizations will host social events targeting specific DMS student groups. If you were part of any of these groups over the past 30 years, please be sure to indicate it on your Gala event registration so you can be sent organization-specific information. Student Organization Socials are included in DMS 30th Gala ticket cost.
During the DMS 30th Gala, there will be an award ceremony honoring members of the DMS family over the past 30 years. The DMS Distinction Award ceremony will acknowledge outstanding DMS staff and former students who have contributed to student development and success, advanced student support and mentorship, and exceeded others in providing leadership and service that enriches lives of students during their time at Texas A&M University. This award specifically values the individuals’ extraordinary contributions to the Department of Multicultural Services from our founding year through 2019. Award recipients will be nominated by the decade of their service to the Department between 1989–1999, 1999–2009, and 2009–2019.
30th Hotel Accommodations
Hotel accommodations have been secured for the DMS 30th Anniversary events for those traveling to College Station. Hotel and room block specifics will be directly communicated upon registration for the 30th Anniversary Gala. Also for additional information related to the Bryan/College Station area, visit https://www.experiencebcs.com/.
DMS is providing access to the limited edition DMS 30th Anniversary dri-fit shirt. If you would like a shirt, please place your order by Friday, November 1st. Shirts will be available for pickup in the Department of Multicultural Services by Friday, November 22nd. Shirts will also be available Saturday afternoon during the Student Organization Socials and Saturday evening at the 30th Anniversary Gala, both on November 23rd. We hope you will join in the celebration!
Please visit the DMS 30th Anniversary webpage for all specifics and updates.
— This release was originally sent on behalf of DMS Director Dr. Tonya Driver —