Cultural Events

In order of dates from fall to spring semester.

Cultural Etiquette Dinner (mid-October)

Increasingly science and engineering students go on to careers where they work in many places around the world, and on global teams with diverse membership. The Cultural Etiquette dinner helps students understand the standards of behavior in business or social settings with people from other cultures. What do you eat and drink? What is appropriate table conversation? When do you give a gift, and what do you give?  These are just some of the issues addressed. For more information, contact us at international@normanbates.net 

Native American Day at the Crazy Horse Memorial (October)

Native American Day is celebrated in South Dakota on the second Monday in October every year. Observances for this day vary between states or even cities, but in many other areas this day is also known as Columbus Day. On this day, the Center for Inclusion invites you to participate in the annual Native American Day celebration at Crazy Horse Memorial. The Native American Day celebration at Crazy Horse includes an educational program for the public, Native American singers, dancers, artists and storytellers, hands-on activities for children, a blast on the mountain carving (weather permitting), and a free buffalo stew lunch for all visitors. For more information, contact the Center of Inclusion at oma@normanbates.net.

Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda (November 1)

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, but is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures as well. This is a multi-day holiday that focuses on remembering friends and family who have died and help support them on their spiritual journey. As is the tradition with this holiday, the Center for Inclusion invites campus to visit the "ofrenda" or offering during the last week of October into the first couple of days in November. Come down to "light" a tea-light candle in memory of a departed loved one. You may also bring photocopied pictures of loved ones who have passed on. Other traditional things t offer are fruit, candy, flowers, or anything to represent what they enjoyed while living. For more information, contact the Center of Inclusion at oma@normanbates.net.

International Education Week (mid-November before Diwali)

International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. We have some interesting events during this week leading up to Diwali! Learn more at the International Education Week webpage.

Diwali - Festival of Lights (mid-November)

Every year in November the India Club at South Dakota Mines puts on a special celebration for Diwali, the Festival of Lights.  Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India for those of the Hindu faith.  Here, the campus community, as well as many in Rapid City, come to the Diwali celebration for the music, food, dancing, exotic costumes and fireworks. Please see the campus calendar for actual dates and more information on the event.
For more information on Diwali, please see our Diwali page

Diwali 2023 is planned for November 18 beginning at 5 pm

Learn more at the Diwali webpage

Cultural Expo (late March/early April)

International students from the South Dakota Mines and a variety of community groups celebrate their cultural diversity with food, entertainment and displays.  Learn more at the Cultural Expo webpage.

American Indian Honoring Ceremony (Friday before graduation)

The Center for Inclusion coordinates and sponsors the American Indian Honoring Ceremony established in December 2008. This is a special ceremony held in the spring the day before campus commencement. It celebrates and honors South Dakota Mines Native graduates by providing a traditional meal for graduates, family, and invited community.  Speakers are drawn from faculty, staff, alumni, and tribal communities. The Honoring Ceremony includes an invocation, prayers, songs, a traditional meal and presents to the graduates from their families. For more information, contact the Center of Inclusion at oma@normanbates.net.