Programs and Initiatives - Center for Engagement & Community Connection

Celebrating Culture. Fostering Dialogue. Building Community.

At the Center for Engagement and Community Connection (CECC), our programs reflect a deep commitment to cultural affirmation and community building. We believe in honoring every identity, uplifting diverse voices, and creating spaces where all Bearcats feel seen, valued, and empowered. Through signature events, monthly gatherings, and campus-wide initiatives, we offer opportunities to engage, learn, celebrate, and grow—together.

Campus Programs

Identity365 - Honoring identities every day of the year. Identity365 is CECC’s year-round initiative that celebrates cultural heritage, identity, and lived experience—beyond heritage months and holidays. Through storytelling, dialogue, and visibility, we affirm all identities and create space for ongoing cultural learning and recognition.
First Fridays - First Fridays are monthly community events that blend fun, creativity, and culture. These gatherings bring students together to build relationships, explore identities, and celebrate community through music, food, art, and shared experiences.
Talks that Encourage Awareness (T.E.A.) Time - What’s The Tea? T.E.A. Time—Talks that Encourage Awareness—is a monthly dialogue series that creates space for honest conversations around identity, inclusion, and current social issues. Whether it's discussing Beyonce vs. Taylor Swift, mental health, gender identity, or navigating campus life, T.E.A. Time fosters connection, awareness, and action—one conversation at a time.
M.L.K. Jr. Commemorative Series - This week-long series celebrates the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through service, reflection, and education, we reaffirm our collective commitment to equity, justice, and inclusive community.
Women’s Summit - The Women’s Summit brings together students, professionals, and community leaders to explore leadership, entrepreneurship, personal development, and identity through the lens of gender. This powerful event affirms the experiences of women and fosters connection across diverse communities.