Davé in control as new MRC head

The resignation of Associate Dean of Students Ken Holmes left more than one gap in the student life staff. Shilpa Davé and Joe DiChristina came to the rescue.

Shilpa Davé, who will head the Multicultural Resource Center this year, was appointed late last year by Interim Dean of Students Deb McNish.

Davé has an extensive background and involvement in multicultural endeavors. Prior to Oberlin, she wore many hats at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. She served as African-American and Asian-American Community Coordinator, Advisor for the Indian Students Association, the Center for African-American Studies, taught in the Asian-American Department and was involved in the Women's Studies Department.

McNish sought to balance Davé's extensive background with what she referred to as managerial expertise. She found that in Joe DiChristina. DiChristina has served in many capacities at Oberlin College since 1990 which have involved extensive management of programs and staff. He has worked as the Assistant Dean of Students in Residential Life and Services, Interim Director of Safety and Security. Most recently, he worked in President Nancy Dye's office on special projects.

Their collaboration initiates an ambitious year for the MRC. Some of the goals laid out for the MRC include acting as liaisons between the multicultural community and the Oberlin College Community and collaborating formally within academic divisions. Their goals also include actively educating about multiculturalism.

In particular, Shilpa Davé would like to focus on the Asian and African-American population at Oberlin. These groups have been underrepresented nationally, historically, and in the curriculum. Among the 25 percent of Oberlin students who are of color, 9 to 10 percent are Asian-American and 7 percent are African-American.

According to Davé, this new emphasis is "essential to retaining students" by providing ample support. She also noted that the changing ethnic fabric of our country necessitates awareness and advocacy for these groups. Dav� and DiChristina are looking forward to a productive year with dynamic community coordinators and newly forged bonds.

The MRC acts as a support system to all students, however specifically advocates students of color, low-income students, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered students, international and first generation college students.

Davé: New MRC director suited for the job. (photo by Noah Mewborn)