STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

The Intersection

Where Community & Culture Meet

The Intersection operates out of the Involvement Office and is staffed by undergraduate community development interns working closely with the Community Development Programming Specialist.

The Intersection is a student-centered campus space where community and culture meet and collaboration is prioritized. Through creating experiences with and for students, The Intersection supports all students in building meaningful connections, exploring what makes each of us unique, developing leadership skills, and engaging more deeply with the Warhawk community.

Pillars and Focus Areas

Culture & Identity

Focus: Celebrating, centering, and validating the diverse cultural identities, heritages, and experiences of students, particularly those from historically underrepresented populations.

Belonging & Community Building

 Focus: Creating a safe, welcoming “home away from home” for all students that fosters meaningful connections and a deep sense of community.

Personal Growth & Holistic Wellness

Focus: Supporting the academic, personal, and professional development of students through holistic programming, including intersectional advocacy and mental wellness.

Collaboration & Engagement

Focus: Partnering with academic departments, student organizations, and the broader community to foster intercultural competence by communicating, collaborating, and building relationships effectively across diverse cultural backgrounds and respecting cultural differences.

Resident Student Organizations

Black Student Union

Latinos Unidos

Southeast Asian Organization

Native American Cultural Awareness Association

TIFU Cultural Ensemble

IMPACT

International Student Association

Muslim Student Association

Whitewater Student Government

History of The Intersection

UW-Whitewater’s multicultural student space has evolved through several names and identities over more than three decades:

1992

The space was established as the Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) connected with International Education. Located near the Down Under in the University Center, it included artifact displays representing some of the home countries of international students.

1993

Campus Activities & Programs assumed leadership of the MEC after concerns that domestic students of color needed stronger support and representation. A full-time coordinator position, student staff, programming funds, and a larger University Center space were added.

2006-2008

During the University Center renovation, the MEC moved to Drumlin with limited physical space, though the coordinator continued student support and educational programming.During the University Center renovation, the MEC moved to Drumlin with limited physical space, though the coordinator continued student support and educational programming.

2008-2010

Renamed the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC). When the University Center reopened, the center was placed within what became the Warhawk Connection Center.

2010-2026

Renamed the Warhawk Connection Center (WCC). The WCC name was developed by Ron Buchholz, past Career & Leadership Director, in collaboration with identity-based student organizations and the Whitewater Student Government for students, by students. The WCC name reflected the addition of Resident Student Organizations to the space during the University Center remodel completed in 2008. Floor 1B of the University Center operating as the WCC stands as a tribute to Ron Buchholz and the student leaders and student organizations who shaped it.

2026-Present

Renamed The Intersection. The name is rooted in BIPOC Feminist Thought & Activism, particularly the term “intersectionality” formally coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, and honors all BIPOC Feminists who employed this concept in their activism before it became mainstream.

Pride Center

The PB Poorman Pride Center fosters an inclusive campus where all Warhawks can thrive by supporting LGBTQ+ community, advocacy, education, and intersectional opportunities that promote belonging and student success.

PB Poorman Pride Center

Our Heritage Series

 Nuestra Voz: Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration is a cultural event featuring speakers across generations, cultural performances, students, and a historical presentation on the Latino experience. Our display, presented during Hispanic Heritage Month, and Offrenda explores the diversity, history, and culture of Latinx and Hispanic communities.

  • Join us 10/7 3:30-5:30 in the Hamilton Room for Nuestra Voz!
  • The display is up 9/15-9/30 in the UC Concourse, as well as 10/30-11/2 outside Roberta’s Art Gallery for Offrenda.

Celebrating LGBTQ+ history means celebrating all queer and trans* community members who paved the way nationally, globally, state-wide, and here in Whitewater. Visit our interactive display all of October in the Warhawk Connection Center leading to The Intersection and ending at the PB Poorman Pride Center, founded in 2008!

  • Check out the display 10/1-10/31 in the Warhawk Connection Center.

UW-Whitewater exists on Native lands. Wisconsin has a rich history of indigenous tribes as well. To honor the land, the heritage, and the culture, The Intersection is proud to support all Native American awareness events, as well as create and present an educational display in the Minneiska Lounge all November!

  • The display is up 11/1-11/30 in the Minneiska Lounge in the UC!

Our annual Black History/Heritage Series has been part of UW-Whitewater tradition for many years. For decades, it was known as the MLK Commemoration Event. This series now includes a BIPOC & Abroad Panel, Minority-Serving Institution education, scholarship incentives, a UWW Black Heritage display, and the Black Heritage Speaker Event. Each year, these events feature a variety of curated themes highlighting speakers, student performances, music, dance, spoken word, and more. Through these events, we hope to promote global education experiences, emphasize Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and collectively honor and uphold the tradition UW-Whitewater has established.

  • Join us 2/10 3:30-5:30 in the Hamilton Room!
  • Check out the display 1/25-2/26 around the UC Concourse!
View the BIPOC Hall of Fame

 Our annual Women’s History Series celebrates the contributions, leadership, creativity, and resilience of all women throughout history and today. In collaboration with Roberta A. Fiskum Art Gallery’s featured artist and presentation, this year’s programming will explore how art, storytelling, and identity help honor women’s histories and inspire future generations. 

  • Engage with the display 3/1-3/31 near Roberta’s Art Gallery!

 Our annual AANHPI (Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) Heritage Series celebrates the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Through educational displays highlighting the history, traditions, influential figures, and significant events representing the diverse countries and cultures across Asia and the Pacific Islands, participants are invited to explore the depth and diversity of the AANHPI experience. The series also features cultural performances, music, traditional foods, guest speakers, and educational presentations that honor the voices, achievements, and lasting impact of AANHPI communities locally, nationally, and around the world. 

  • Check out our event 4/20 3:30-5:30 in the Hamilton Room!
  • Find the display 4/15-5/15 around the UC Concourse.

Upcoming Events

Check out what's coming up in The Intersection and find out how to join us.

View Events

Connect with The Intersection

Department Email: Intersection@uww.edu

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