Graduation Speech: Multicultural Student Center

I’d like to begin by saying congratulations on your acceptance into the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Whether or not you’ve had the chance to tour the campus, I’m confident you’ll walk away learning something new. This tour has been specifically designed by the Multicultural Student Center to help point out resources aimed at creating a more inclusive and safe environment for our incoming students. We’ll make stops at some of the places on campus that have helped foster minority student life. This by no means is an exhaustive list; it’s goal is to highlight some examples that can guide you in the beginning, in hopes of helping you make connections from there. Before we start, I want to emphasize how important this information will be for you. All of you are here to further your education, but it’s important to create a healthy headspace for that to happen. The places we’ll visit today can serve to be that safe space for you, and help you to find your connection with what you learn on this campus. Our first stop is the Red Gym, home to the Morgridge Center for Public Service and the LGBT Campus Center …show more content…
It was founded in memory of Floyd Mike McBurney, who injured his cervical spinal cord at sixteen and still enrolled at UW-Madison the year after his accident. He earned a law degree and went on to be elected as Dane County District Attorney. Tragically, he passed before taking office, but he paved the way for some really important changes on campus. The resource center was created to provide a long list of services for any student with any sort of disability. From notetaking support and test accommodations, to class relocation and transportation, the McBurney Center’s goal is to bring quality opportunities and services to students with disabilities, ultimately providing equal access to programs and services of the