The Certificate in Intercultural Foundations is an interdisciplinary program that offers students of any major the opportunity to appreciate the differences between one another with the goal of social transformation and global solidarity.

Sister Mary Kay Flannery, the faculty advisor for the program, encourages all students to take part. “Our hope is that this will become a signature program of Chestnut Hill College and many CHC students will graduate with this certificate as part of their resume,” she says.

As there is a growth in diversity both domestically and abroad, it's important that individuals become aware of the differences in their family, neighborhood, workplace, society and world. The course engages students in cultural realities, all the while examining the multiple ways diversity presents itself, including through ethnicity, education, religion, and gender identity, among others. “We seek to end the mindset of ‘us versus them,’ and to foster local and global connections,” says Sister Mary Kay.

Course participants will acquire the knowledge and skills to recognize social injustice and how to confront it. As global communities embody different themes of diversity and employers look for those with a diversity education, this certificate may enhance any student’s professional career and make them more marketable. In addition, it will allow them to live out the College’s Mission of inclusivity and responding to the needs of others through service-oriented enterprises.

—Catie Hoops ’19