Three organizations at Indiana University of Pennsylvania—UBORA Men of IUP, the Haven Project, and the University College—will present “Redefining Masculinity” on November 9 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Hadley Union Building Ohio Room.
The event is designed to offer male-identifying and masculine-presenting individuals at IUP an opportunity to examine the role masculinity plays in society, both negatively and positively.
The program is free and open to the community.
The event begins with opening remarks by IUP Vice President of Student Affairs Tom Segar followed by a resource table fair, refreshments, panel discussion, and small table discussion. It will conclude with remarks by Jeremy Risinger, assistant director for Student Success for the University College, at 9:00 p.m.
Members of the panel will include David Myers, IUP Counseling Center; Donovan Daniel, IUP assistant director of Undergraduate Admissions and UBORA Men of IUP advisor; Bennett Nesley, a second-year graduate student in IUP’s Student Affairs in Higher Education program; Trajan Jones, a fourth-year community planning and development regional planning major; and Nike McGlynn, a third-year nursing major.
A number of campus leaders will facilitate the small table discussion groups.
Resource tables will represent a number of IUP and community organizations:
- Alice Paul House
- Center for Career and Professional Development
- Center for Health and Well-Being
- Colors in Unity
- Counseling Center - Togetherall
- Creating Higher Standards
- Department for Disability Access and Advising
- Grizzled Teddy Co.
- Haven Project
- Latin Student Organization (LaSO)
- LGBTQIA Support
- NAACP Chapter at IUP
- Student Veterans Organization
- Student Wellness and Engagement
- UBORA Men of IUP
- University College
The first 50 students to attend the event will receive a free copy of Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity by Justin Baldoni.
According to planning committee members, the book was chosen for the event because of Baldoni's openness about being someone male-identifying who had to unlearn toxic masculinity and relearn healthy masculinity in the process.
Committee members also felt that the book provides an inspiring and honest scope of masculinity as it relates to the different aspects of his life (fatherhood, romantic relationships, friendship), and that the accessible nature of Baldoni's book, podcast, and TV show relating to being “Man Enough” motivates attendees to continue to educate themselves after the event.
UBORA Men of IUP is a student organization established to support male students of color in the pursuit of excellence.
The Haven Project provides counseling and support for students who experience sexual and relationship violence, and education and prevention programming on sexual violence and relationship violence.
The University College provides academic support for students, including new students.