Articles

Throwback: Days-Massolo Center Open House

By Madeleine Cerone

December 6, 2023

In this article I take us back to 4 o’clock on Tuesday, September 5th, when the Days-Massolo Center opened its doors to Hamilton’s Community for the first time this fall semester of 2023. 

Our little blue house was bustling with the energy of people catching up, asking questions, and eating their fill of food from Soul 112. Latin-Afro beats and R&B music played from a speaker at the front of the room, and students began to laugh and dance along. Black Lives Matter, Iroquois Confederacy, and LGBTQ+ flags danced in the wind above students sitting outside on the steps. Faculty and staff sat outside on the soft, green, lawn with their plates and finished their last bites, accompanied by some of their students. 

Soon the music died down, and our many guests were addressed by Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion Maria Genao-Homs, Dr. Bonike of International Student Services, and Vice President for Diversity Equity and Inclusion Sean Bennett. Each of them expressed their deep love for the DMC, and how it truly feels like a home to them. The DMC is so grateful for the support and guidance they offer to our community. Finally, our new director, Dr. Koboul E. Mansour addressed the crowded room. She reminded us that no matter how many challenges we are facing, just being here at Hamilton is already a huge accomplishment. Dr. Koboul also urged us to seek out help if and whenever we feel we need it. “If you do not know where to go for help, come to us at the DMC. Between myself and all the ambassadors, we will be able to help you,” she told us, standing in the front of the living room.

However, what I remember now, as I look back on this event, is how brightly the strength of the DMC community shone. Students, faculty, staff and administrators alike huddled together around their plates, talking, smiling, and laughing. All of us came together to welcome friendly faces, familiar faces, and new faces to our little blue house. It’s with this same energy that we sparked difficult conversations, managed new programming, and learned more about so many diverse cultures throughout this semester. As we look into next semester, I am excited for all of the things we can and will accomplish on Hamilton’s Campus.

We would like to thank everyone who attended the open house this September for coming to celebrate the Days-Massolo Center. We wish you a wonderful winter break and a joyful holiday season. Next semester we cannot wait to have you back at our spring semester open house!