Celebrating global diversity: Greenville University's flag display
Published: December 16, 2024
Author: Liz Dowell
GREENVILLE, IL — Greenville University is boldly expressing its commitment to global diversity and student inclusivity with a new flag display in the dining commons. Spearheaded by dedicated alumni and board spouses, this initiative reflects the University's ongoing effort to honor and celebrate the diversity of its student and staff body.
Currently, Greenville University has 221 non-white students and 136 international students, contributing to a total enrollment of 843 students. These groups comprise 42% of the student body, highlighting GU's growing diversity. Additionally, GU has international students from 24 countries, with a strong focus on fostering an inclusive campus environment.
REGIONAL DIVERSITY – A SNAPSHOT
Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL, has a smaller student body of approximately 382 students. Its racial and ethnic diversity includes 11% Black students, 4% Hispanic students, and 7% from other non-White backgrounds. International students represent just 2% of the student population, and most students (77%) identify as White.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), with a significantly larger student body of approximately 13,000, has a diversity profile marked by 12.5% Black or African American, 5.77% Hispanic or Latino, 2.55% Asian, and 5% international students.
While GU emphasizes its smaller, community-centered inclusivity with a strong international presence, SIUE showcases broader domestic multicultural representation alongside a modest international student population. While demonstrating some diversity, Blackburn College has a more homogeneous demographic profile.
A study conducted in 2019 by the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) revealed a significant increase in diversity on Christian campuses. In 2003–2004, these campuses were 16.6% diverse; by 2018–2019, diversity had risen to 30.9%. This marks a 14.3% increase over 15 years, reflecting a continuing trend toward greater inclusivity across Christian institutions.
A VISION FOR REPRESENTATION
President Suzanne Davis recommended using flags to show diversity, especially with students and staff expressing appreciation for GU’s international student community.
“The display of international flags reflects Greenville University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community," said Alice Trinidad, Assistant Director of International Student Success. "This initiative, led by the President’s Office, Student Success, the Office of Culture & Diversity, and the Office of International Affairs, offers a visual representation of the global community on campus. It encourages both international and local students to reflect on the interconnected world we live in, and it reinforces that as an institution, we are helping shape the lives of a new generation of professionals and global citizens.”
LEADERSHIP AND GENEROSITY DRIVE THE PROJECT
With leadership from Jane Ellsworth, wife of the former chairman of the board of trustees, and a group of board spouses, the project gained momentum. These volunteers utilized a fund established by previous board spouses and additional contributions to bring the project to life.
Jana (Tidball ’74) Spencer, a Greenville alumna and active participant in board spouse activities, explained that the flags represent current international students, showcasing the University's commitment to recognizing their contributions and heritage. The display, featuring flags from around the world, was carefully installed in a hallway leading to the dining commons to ensure maximum visibility and impact.
"The flags serve as a powerful symbol of pride and belonging for our international students," said Spencer. "Seeing their national flags prominently displayed helps them feel recognized and valued within our university community."
AN IMPACTFUL STATEMENT OF BELONGING
Trinidad added, "Parents and family members appreciate the display. They've mentioned how much they enjoy seeing the flags and welcome messages during New Student Orientation on digital boards across campus. These gestures reinforce Greenville University's commitment to celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity. Currently, we have 24 countries represented on campus, with 126 international students this fall. Our campus hosts native German, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Hungarian, French, Swahili, and Swedish speakers."
The flag display aligns seamlessly with Greenville University's effort to support and celebrate its diverse student population.
“The university fosters an inclusive and respectful atmosphere by honoring all cultural backgrounds through collaboration between various offices," Trinidad said. "Regular updates to the display ensure that it reflects the current diversity of our campus."
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURES
During International Education Week, November 18–22, the GU community had the exciting opportunity to dive into the countries, cultures, foods, and traditions that make our campus so richly diverse.
"This project was incredibly gratifying for us," Spencer shared. "It was a tangible way to contribute to the university and positively impact the student experience."
A GROWING LEGACY OF INCLUSION
As Greenville University's diverse student body and faculty grow, more flags will be added to the display. Phil Davis, President Suzanne Davis’ husband, was an active participant in the project by designing how to utilize the space in the Dining Commons. He even hung the flags in the wee hours of the night.
"Be on the lookout for flags from Hungary, Sweden, Australia, Argentina, Venezuela, South Africa, and India," Trinidad concluded.
