Upstate Medical University Multicultural Affairs & Student Inclusion

We have incredible talent right here in Central New York! The future of healthcare starts here. If you know a student who dreams of working in medicine or health careers, make sure they connect with the Upstate SNMA Pre-Health Exposure Day. Registration closing soon!

Black History Month Gala
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Student organization at Upstate Medical University, would like to invite you to attend the Black History Month Gala that is happening Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 5p-9p at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. 100 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY 13202.

See the attached flyer and respond to the QR code to purchase tickets while they are still available.

SNMA MEMBERS$40.00, Upstate students $50.00, Non Students or Members $75.00.

For ticket information about the Gala, email [email protected].

Upstate celebrates Dr Sarah Loguen Fraser Day Feb. 25

Upstate obstetrician Tanya Paul, MD, will participate in a conversation on “From Firsts to the Future: Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser's Legacy and Black Maternal Health” Feb. 25 at noon in the Ninth Floor Auditorium of Weiskotten Hall. The event celebrates the 150th anniversary of Dr Sarah Loguen Fraser’s graduation from medical school. Paul earned her bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, and her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville. She completed her internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Upstate, receiving the Robert E. Nesbitt Resident of the Year award. Also participating in the event is the Dr Sarah Loguen Fraser Scholarship recipient Schyler Turner, a third-year medical student in the Norton College of Medicine. Commemorative shirts will be available for purchase at the event. Complimentary grab and go lunches will also be available following the event. To R.S.V.P., email [email protected].

Want to save money on your monthly groceries?

Place your Food Sense order to start saving money on your groceries. You can order your June Food Sense at Syracuse Northeast Community Center before June 6 or online: https://foodsense.foodbankcny.org/ before June 9.

If you have any questions about Food Sense comment below or message. Please share this with anyone interested!

CELEBRATE. EDUCATE. ADVOCATE.CONNECT!

Skä·noñh (“peace and wellness”) is a Haudenosaunee greeting and, as Tadodaho Sid Hill reiterates time and again, can only be obtained when human beings are in proper relationship with the natural world.

November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is commonly referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

Don't let the culture of the Native Americans pass you by unnoticed, and make sure that you take the time to learn about your neighbors in the United States and the role that they have had in your history. Who knows, you might realize you have a lot more in common with the natives of this land than you thought!,

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIVE AMERICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!

1. MAKE A NATIVE AMERICAN DISH:
One of the best ways to learn about a culture is through food. There are endless options when it comes to Native American recipes, but here are a few for you to look up and try out: Apache Acorn Cakes, Native Mommy Soup, Alogonquin Three Sisters Rice, Corn Chowder, Mantaka Acorn Bread.

2. DISCOVER THE DIVERSITY OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES: There are hundreds of tribes across the continent, but most people can’t name more than a few, and even less are represented in the popular culture. Native American Heritage Month is a great opportunity to research your local history and discover which tribes called the land you now live on home. Below are a few links to get you started:
https://classroom.synonym.com/native-american-tribes-1846-new-york-12149922.html

https://youtu.be/j_mVBs2xLtE

https://delta.kanopy.com/video/we-shall-remain

3.READ A BOOK ABOUT NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY:
Here are a few suggestions:
-Hearts of our People: Native Woman Artists, by Jill Ahlberg Yohe

-This Land is their land The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the troubled history of Thanksgiving, by David Silverman

-First Americans: A History of Native Peoples, by Mark Nicholas

4. TAKE A VIRTUAL VISIT TO A NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE SITE: he US is scattered with beautiful and significant American Indian landmarks. From burial mounds to ruins to museums, there are thousands of locations to to experience Native America. Here is a link to help you start your journey: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/best-usa-indian-culture/index.html

5. IMPROVE YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Suggested Websites:
http://peacecouncil.net/programs/neighbors-of-the-onondaga-nation/marker-list/the-iroquois-confederacy

https://americanindian.si.edu/sites/1/files/pdf/education/HaudenosauneeGuide.pdf

https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/culture-and-cures-healing-native-american-health

CELEBRATE. EDUCATE. ADVOCATE. CONNECT.: Diwali (also called the Festival of Lights) is celebrated not only in India as well many other countries also celebrated this. The observance, which has its roots in the Hindu epic Ramayana, commemorates Lord Rama’s triumph over the evil king Ravana and his return to Ayodhya following a 14 years exile. The inhabitants of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps, known as diyas, to greet him, signifying the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. As Hindus light up their homes and perform Lakshmi Puja, they also pay homage to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and success. Diwali celebration lasts for five days. For all who observes in celebration, may your life radiant warmth, love, and laughter just like the world does under the Diwali lights. Let’s rejoice in a future with limitless opportunities.

Congratulations👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿👏🏼! At the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) Annual Conference in Atlanta, Katherine Beissner, PT, PhD, FASAHP, dean of the College of Health Professions, was presented the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award for furthering the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the academic setting.

Dean Beissner has pioneered a number of outreach programs aimed at diversifying the health professions by providing local high school and college students hands-on immersion in the health professions. At the conference she presented a poster, "Jump Start Your Health Career (JSYHC): A Problem-Based Approach to Increasing Health Professions Awareness," co-authored by Chawka Albadeh, the program's coordinator.

Beissner is also an ASAHP Fellow.

MASI: Celebrate, Educate, Advocate, & Connect.
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday October 14th) , we honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. Below ⬇️ is information on how you can celebrate with our Native neighbors!

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Festival Onondaga Nation – On Sunday, October 13, 2024, join Onondaga community members, Tsha’ Thoñ’nhes management, We of Italian and Syracuse Heritage in CNY, and Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation/Sy…