Multiracial student group wins Kramer prize for best contribution to college

Posted 07/12/01

MOSAIC, the student organization for biracial, bicultural, multiracial and multicultural individuals at Dartmouth, has been awarded the Milton Sims Kramer Group Award. The award is given by the Dean of the College to the student organization that has made the greatest contribution to the College. It carries with it an honorarium of $750.

Members of the organization's executive committee expressed both surprise and appreciation at the news. "It's really a surprise, because MOSAIC is less than two years old," said Andrea Glover '01, Executive Board Member.

"It was definitely a shock but, considering all the work that has been done, it is definitely appropriate." Tai Antoine '01 said, also on the Executive Board.

The group, which is made up of more than 100 Dartmouth students, frequently draws 30 or more students to its meetings and meals. MOSAIC has initiated many campus events, including discussions on multicultural dating and a dinner to honor faculty who have made contributions, either through classes or through one-on-one student interaction, to the biracial, bicultural, multiracial and multicultural community.

"We've always prided ourselves on not having a membership requirement," said Leah Threatte '01, who serves on the Executive Board. "We don't have any defined leadership positions except for a treasurer because we want everyone to feel equal."

The group plans to increase its outreach events in the coming year, reaching not just Dartmouth but the entire Upper Valley area. Already Glover and others have visited local schools to talk about biracial, bicultural, multiracial and multicultural issues.