University Times

UPG work-study student Alicia DiPaolo compiles photos and information on cultural celebrations and holidays on a colorful poster that is displayed in the Lynch Hall lobby in conjunction with the monthly cultural diversity luncheon.

Workers in Pitt-Greensburg’s Lynch Hall are broadening their cultural awareness in a delicious way. Each month, the UPG employees get together for a cultural diversity luncheon, a buffet of foods based on each month’s holidays, cultural celebrations and events. The event typically brings together more than a dozen people, building community among employees in the many small administrative offices housed in the building.

Human resources director Joyce Bucchi, a member of the UPG President’s Advisory Committee on Diversity Affairs whose office is in Lynch Hall, came up with the idea, inspired in part by the events described on the Kansas University Medical Center’s extensive diversity calendar (www3.kumc.edu/diversity). The first lunch took place last March.

The medical center diversity calendar, which came to Bucchi’s attention through a friend, serves as a starting point for the UPG event, with other holidays and events of interest researched by work-study student Alicia DiPaolo.

Each month, DiPaolo combines photos and information about each event on a large, colorful poster that is displayed  prominently in the Lynch Hall lobby. She also finds appropriate recipe suggestions online.

A diverse group has stepped up to organize the monthly lunch. Administrative assistant Donna Luciew of human resources coordinates the diversity calendar and lunch event dates; conferencing director Stacy Netzel sees to arranging room reservations. Kristin Guynn, online communications and development specialist, sends email announcements and reminders and administrative secretary Lori Moore coordinates the signup sheet for dishes to ensure there’s diversity in the menu. Dolly Biskup, executive administrative assistant to campus president Sharon Smith, takes charge of the luncheon setup.

DiPaolo’s September poster highlighted events including Labor Day, the autumnal equinox, Grandparents’ Day and Rosh Hashanah.

Before partaking in the lunch, participants take a moment to describe their dish and the event it represents.

The group’s Sept. 15 luncheon featured chicken enchilada dip, taco dip, quesadillas and flan among a variety of dishes in honor of Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated Sept. 16.

Lynch Hall staffers Susan Isola and Joyce Bucchi sample from an array of international dishes prepared by coworkers for the Sept. 15 luncheon.

Italian sausages, pasta and vegetables commemorated San Gennaro Day, a Sept. 19 feast honoring the 4th-century martyr who is the patron saint of Naples.

Courtney DeCarlucci, manager of foundation and corporate relations,  baked bread in recognition of September as National Whole Grain Month.

Sometimes the celebrations include a distinctly local angle. Luciew, who announced that she’s going to become a new grandmother, brought Grandma’s apple pie in recognition of Grandparents’ Day.

The events help Lynch Hall employees get to know different cultures, cuisines — and each other — better, in a fun, casual setting.

“What makes this work for us is the great participation by the Lynch Hall staff and faculty and our interest in learning about different cultures and customs,” Bucchi said.

—Kimberly K. Barlow