WWU Ethnic Student Center Media Kit

Beth Carlson, Katie Rickel, Aarin Wright

Media Backgrounder
Frequently Asked Questions
Feature Story Pitch
Logo with Tagline
Radio PSA Script
Media Clips

WWU Ethnic Student Center Media Backgrounder

Press Contact: Teena Thach
Teena.Thach@wwu.edu | (360) 650-7274

Overview:
The Ethnic Student Center is an Associated Students organization at
Western Washington University. Its goals include helping students from
historically underrepresented ethnic groups build a supportive community
and effectively get from a point A to point B, ending in graduation. In the
United States, minority and lower-income college students have a lower
graduation rate compared to others, with 55.4 percent graduating in 6
years compared to 62.5% of white students. Some minority students have
claimed exclusion and loneliness as part of the problem. Established in
1991, the ESC is now home to 16 diverse clubs with over 120 trained
student leaders and hundreds more student members. Each club aims to
offer a home away from home for all students. Located on the fourth floor
of the Viking Union, the ESC supplies many resources, from a lounge space
to computers and TV, to provide and encourage a supportive community for
any student.
Current activity:
Continuing with their goals to provide a supportive community for students
and allies of historically underrepresented ethnic groups, the Ethnic
Student Center hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. These
range from Heritage Dinners for their individual clubs to Culture Shock in
spring quarter, a large showcase of different cultural acts and
performances. The most recent event is ESC Lobby Day, when all clubs get
together to lobby for issues theyre passionate about to state legislators in
Olympia, WA. In their VU location, academic advising and support is also
offered to all students. Most recently, the ESC welcomed the Hmong
Student Association, an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of
China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, as one of their diverse student clubs.

Facts:
The facts below aim to point out why the ESC is important to WWU and why
greater public awareness is necessary. Information has been taken from
studies at other universities throughout the United States with similar
programs.
Western Washington University:
As of fall, 2014, 23.6 percent of WWU students were students of
color, according to its website.
According to the WWU website, the amount of diversity on
campus is growing every year. Since 1980, the amount of
minority students enrolled has increased by 19.9 percent.
The ESC currently believes it is too difficult for students to find,
making it hard to gain access to their services.
Many WWU students arent aware of the existence of the ESC
until their third or fourth quarter on campus, according to the
ESC.
During fall quarter 2014, the ESC rallied for more space on
Mondays in the library. The ESC is located in the basement of
the Viking Union in a small space that could barely
accommodate the more than 80 students from the BSU who
wanted to meet there in November, according to the Western
Front.
Founding member and former coordinator of the ESC, Michael
Vandiola, is a current advocate for the importance of diversity
education and programs such as the ESC on college campuses.
I think we owe it to ourselves as an American society to provide
an educational process that can help alleviate [the race] issue
before it becomes a volatile situation, he said in a speech at
Western Jan. 9.
Washington State:
Washington State is a national leader in terms of graduation
rates, however the distribution across racial groups is uneven,
according to the Washington Student Achievement Council.
Many higher education institutions in Washington state are
aware of what to do to increase college degree production, but
lack resources to implement the best practices.
The Washington Student Achievement Council was created in
2012 to acknowledge problems in the states education system
and to create comprehensive roadmaps to address them.

The state is becoming more racially diverse every year, with a

4.6 percent minority population increase from 2000 to 2010,
according to the United States Census.
A study by the Washington Student Achievement Council found
that among Washington state higher education institutions, cocurricular diversity and student services programs, like the
ESC, were ranked the most successful in enhancing educational
experience among a diverse student body.

Nationally:
The graduation rate of American college students is one of the
worst among developed nations, according to the New York
Times.
Minority and lower-income students have a lower graduation
rate compared to others according to the Institution of
Education Sciences.
Graduation is still dominated by white students. In 2012, 70
percent of bachelors degree earners were white, while they
were only 60 percent of total enrolled students, according to the
National Center for Education Statistics.
Some barriers that keep minority students from reaching
graduation are an unwelcoming campus climate and a weak
integration into campus social and academic communities,
according to the New York Times, and studies performed by
ERIC Digest.
According to Diversity Digest, students who socialize with
someone of a different racial group or discuss racial issues tend
to have a better academic development, satisfaction with
college, level of cultural awareness and a commitment to
promoting racial understanding.
As of 2012, 59.2 percent of all bachelors degree-seeking
students at a four-year institution graduated within six years or
less, according to the Digest of Education Statistics
Comprehensive support services offered through universities
have proven to increase graduation rates among minority
students, according to studies done by ERIC Digest and the
Community College Survey of Student Engagement.
Some techniques proven to help college students graduate are
academic goal setting and planning, supplemental instruction
and a supportive community.
Organization biography:

Nate Panelo-Ethnic Student Center Coordinator

Nate.Panelo@wwu.edu | (360) 650-7272
Nate Panelo graduated from Western in 2007 with a major in human
services. He served as an ESC leader on the Associated Students Board for
two years during his time at Western. He received his Masters in Higher
Education and Student Affairs Administration at the University of Vermont.
Two years after working in the field, he went back to Western to serve at
the ESC Coordinator. Working with students is his favorite part of the job. In
his free time he likes to spend time with his 10-year-old dog and fix things
around his house.
Teena Thach-Ethnic Student Center Marketing Outreach Coordinator
Teena.Thach@wwu.edu | (360) 650-7274
Teena Thach is from Tacoma Washington and is a first-generation college
student at Western. She is a senior
majoring
So many students have
in Public Relations. As a freshman at
Western,
told me, If it wasnt for
her only friend was from home and
she felt
the ESC, I wouldnt be
here, Teena Thach said.
like she had nobody to connect with.
Thach
attended the information fair at
Western
and found a booth for the ESC. She found a community in the ESC and it
provided her with a home away from home. The ESC is one of the main
reasons Thach continued at Western. She feels she is giving back to the
family and the university while she serves as the ESC Marketing Outreach
Coordinator.
Ana Palma-Ethnic Student Center Program Support Coordinator
Ana.Palma@wwu.edu | (360) 650-7271
Ana is a first-generation student at Western where she transferred from
Bellevue College. At Bellevue College, she held the Co-Director position for
the El Centro Latino Program. Palma learned about the ESC shortly after
transferring and became the Program Support Coordinator for the 20142015 academic year. She enjoys working with a wide variety of students and
loves to serve her community and learn from the community that she
serves. During her free time, she enjoys reading and writing.
Danielle Smith ESC Program Coordinator
Danielle.Smith@wwu.edu | (360) 650-7274
Danielle Smith became the ESC Program Coordinator in November 2012.
She is from Los Angeles and earned her Bachelors Degree in Womens
Studies from UCLA. Her first student affairs position was at UC Riverside in
the Associated Students Program. Smith moved to Washington in 2010 to
pursue a graduate degree in creative writing. In her free time she
volunteers for local organizations and attends lectures, documentary
showings and enjoys poetry.

Boiler Plate:
The Ethnic Student Center was established at Western in 1991. With the
goal of helping existing students from backgrounds that are historically
underrepresented, the ESC offers a safe community as well as academic
support, scholarships and leadership opportunities. It is made up of 16
clubs with 120 officers. The ESC is currently located on the fourth floor of
the Viking Union in room 420 at Western Washington University. The
current ESC Coordinator is Nate Panelo. For more information about the
ESC go to: https://www.facebook.com/WWU.ESC and http://as.wwu.edu/esc/
Potential interview contacts:
Paul Dunn, Senior Executive Assistant to President Shepard
360-650-3472, Paul.Dunn@wwu.edu
Kunle Ojikutu, Bruce Shepards Assistant for Diversity
360-650-2926, Kunle.Ojikutu@wwu.edu
Sources:
"Associated Students of Western Washington University." Associated
Students Ethnic Student Center. 2014. Accessed January 19, 2015.
http://as.wwu.edu/esc/.
"Digest of Education Statistics." Institute of Education Sciences. 2013.
Accessed
January 19, 2015.
http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d13/tables/dt13_326.10.asp.
"Educational Attainment for All: Diversity and Equity in Washington State
Higher
Education." 2013, 2-33. Accessed January 15, 2015.
http://www.wsac.wa.gov/sites/default/files/Diversity_Report-2013.pdf.
Figueroa, Tanya, and Sylvia Hurtado. "Underrepresented Racial And/or
Ethnic
Minority (URM) Graduate Students in STEM Disciplines: A Critical
Approach to Understanding Graduate School Experiences and
Obstacles to Degree Progression." 2013, 3-28. Accessed January 18,
2015. http://www.heri.ucla.edu/nih/downloads/ASHE2013-URM-GradStudents-in-STEM.pdf.

"Identifying and Promoting High-Impact Educational Practices in

Community
Colleges." CCCSE. August 31, 2014. Accessed January 19, 2015.
http://www.ccsse.org/center/initiatives/highimpact/index.cfm.
Karr, Monea. "Western Alumnus Comes Back to Fight for Diversity
Education." The Western Front, January 9, 2015. Accessed January 16,
2015.
http://www.westernfrontonline.net/news/news_photo/article_5bc45b48
-97d7-11e4-9e19-936dc43e0a9e.html.
Kirp, David. "How to Help College Students Graduate." The New York
Times,
January 8, 2014. Accessed January 15, 2015.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/09/opinion/how-to-help-collegestudents-graduate.html?_r=0.
Long, Katherine. "Graduation Rates at State's Colleges, Universities on
Upswing." The Seattle Times, December 6, 2010. Accessed January
18, 2015.
http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2013612855_gradrates07m.ht
ml.
"Osterberg, Mariko. "Ethnic Student Center Rallies for More Space." The
Western
Front, November 7, 2014. Accessed January 17, 2015.
http://www.westernfrontonline.net/news/news_photo/article_fc80cf646657-11e4-b2c9-001a4bcf6878.html.
Quick Facts About Western." Western Washington University. Accessed
January 19, 2015. http://www.wwu.edu/about/quick-facts.
"Research Reveals the Benefits of Diversity for All Students." Diversity
Digest.
Accessed January 15, 2015.
http://www.diversityweb.org/digest/w97/research.html.
Richardson, Richard, and Alfredo De Los Santos. "Helping Minority
Students
Graduate from College--A Comprehensive Approach. ERIC Digest."
Eric Digests. Accessed January 19, 2015.
http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-9212/minority.htm.
Yeado, Joseph. "Intentionally Successful: Improving Minority Student
College

Graduation Rates." College Results in Brief, 2012, 1-4. Accessed

January 16, 2015.
http://www.edtrust.org/sites/edtrust.org/files/Intentionally_Successful.
pdf.

Ethnic Student Center Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Ethnic Student Center?
The Ethnic Student Center is an organization through the Associated
Students of Western Washington University. We house over a dozen
ethnically oriented clubs, acting as a central hub for students identifying
with historically underrepresented groups and allies. We offer services
ranging from academic advising and staff support to a comfortable place to
hang out with computers and a TV. Basically, we provide a home-awayfrom-home where students who identify with a minority group can feel
welcome and empowered.
2. What is an ESC Club?
An ESC club is a cultural and ethnic organization recognized by the
Associated Students of Western. The clubs provide an inclusive environment
for historically underrepresented ethnic students and allies. Each club
meets regularly and offers various activities for all to students, from
heritage dinners to social activist work. For more information about each
individual club, their meeting times and location, please visit our website.
3. How do I get involved?
Just come visit our office! Were located on the fourth floor of the Viking
Union and anyone is welcome to walk in and use our services. We also offer
a wide range of volunteering and social justice opportunities, and our clubs
are always seeking membership.
4. How often do you meet?
Each club has a different schedule, with meet times and places you can find
on their individual websites. You can find a comprehensive list of our clubs
with links to their websites here.
The ESC has its own space as well, located on the fourth floor of the Viking
Union in VU 420. Any student can visit us whenever the VU is open. We
have comfy couches, desk space, cable TV, computers, as well as plenty of
academic support.

5. Can I get involved if Im not from a historically underrepresented ethnic group?

Most definitely. Our organization and clubs provide services to all students,
no matter what ethnicity or background. Our goal is to create a supportive,
inclusive environment for the entire student body.
6. What events do you host? What are Heritage Dinners?
We host Culture Shock, held every spring as a cross-cultural showcase and
celebration with performances and speakers from various ESC clubs. Its a
platform for students to learn about other cultures and celebrate their own.
We also sponsor ESC Lobby Day, an all-club event that brings a group of
students to the capitol in Olympia to lobby for issues important to them in
an empowering experience that allows students voices to be heard.
Heritage dinners, like most of our events, are organized by individual clubs.
These catered events feature delicious food, performers, speakers and
artists showcasing the clubs unique culture.
7. Why should I get involved at the ESC?
Not only are ESC clubs a fantastic way to meet other students of diverse
backgrounds, they also provide rewarding and fun leadership opportunities
that look great on a resume. We offer scholarships and academic support,
including an in-house academic advisor. We are generally a platform for
students to foster identity, build a supportive community and participate in
positive social change.
8. Where is the ESC located?
Were on the fourth floor of the Viking Union, or VU 420. From the main
floor, go down one flight of stairs and head to the east side of the building.
You will come across a second flight of stairs in front of the information
desk. Go down those and continue walking straight until you reach our
location!
9. How do I contact the ESC?
The best way to contact us is through our program coordinator, Ana Palma,
or through our marketing and outreach coordinator Teena Thach. Their
emails and phone numbers are listed below.
Ana Palma: 360-650-7271 | as.esc.programs@wwu.edu
Teena Thach: 360-650-7274 | as.esc.publicrelations@wwu.edu
10. Where can I find more information?
More information can be found at our website, our Twitter or our Facebook.

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Feature Pitch to the Western Front

RE: First-Generation Student Overcomes Odds FEATURE PITCH
Dear Stephanie Bishop and Heidi DeHart,
When Teena Thach was accepted to Western in 2011, she was the first in
her family to head to college. Yet when she arrived here with her best friend
Polly Woodbury, she felt isolated.
I remember thinking, there is no one who looks like us, Thach said.
Thach grew up in Tacoma and attended Mt. Tahoma High School. A student
of Cambodian, Thai and Vietnamese descent, she is also the first child in her
family born in the United States. During her first week at Western, she
wandered the fall Info Fair in Red Square with Woodbury.
One particular booth stood out to them: the Ethnic Student Center. Thach
was excited and relieved to learn the ESC had clubs for all cultures she
identified with.
Thachs story is one that is largely untold at Western: the experience of
first-generation college students. About 32 percent of all Western students
are the first generation of their families to attend college, yet there has
been very little coverage about these students on campus media.
This story would be extremely relatable to the college-age Western Front
readership, giving a face and voice to a community underrepresented at
Western. Rather than focusing on the lack of diversity, this story highlights
what is being done to help the diverse students who are already here.
We can talk about being the only brown student in an all-white class
room, she said. People dont see it as being hard, but sometimes it is.
Today, Thach is senior studying public relations and the Marketing Outreach
Coordinator for the ESC. But her reach extends beyond Westerns campus.
This fall, she told her college acceptance story at the University of
Washington event Storytellers: How I Got Into College.

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Diversity is a rising concern at Western, according to President Bruce

Shepard. In a 2014 blog post, he wrote about how students need faculty and
a community where they dont feel like they need to constantly explain
themselves. Thach feels the ESC provides that community for Western
students.
Potential interviewees:
Polly Woodbury, Thachs best friend from her hometown. She also
worked alongside Thach at the ESC, so would be able to speak about
her accomplishments and personality as a close friend.
Nate Panelo, the Program Coordinator and Thachs boss at the ESC,
would provide insight into how she works with the organization and
other students. Nate.Panelo@wwu.edu, (360) 650-7272
Attached is a photo of Thach and a media backgrounder on the ESC. Please
contact me for any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Beth Carlson
bethgcarlson@gmail.com | 503-715-6631

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Logo with Tagline

The Ethnic
Student Center:
Where Your
Roots Plant
Community

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Radio PSA Script

Associated Students Ethnic Student Center (ESC) Script

30 sec. Radio PSA
Individual success is a community effort. Thats what we believe at the
Ethnic Student Center, where we foster a welcoming environment for over a
dozen ethnic clubs. Located in Viking Union Room four-two-zero, the ESC
offers students tons of resources, from comfy couches to an in-house
academic adviser. Visit A-S dot W-W-U dot E-D-U slash E-S-C for more
information. The ESC: Where your roots plant community.
###

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