The William A. McClain Center for Connection, Dialogue, and Discovery is a welcoming place grounded in helping each student find a sense of belonging and purpose by helping students foster connections, assisting students with transitions and adjustments, and providing intentional support for students who are most vulnerable or at-risk. The McClain Center is a place where students can come as they are and explore who they are meant to become. We encourage students to find their voices and to tell their stories so that others may relate and/or learn. We embolden students to open their minds to ideas and philosophies different from their own so that they are increasingly prepared to engage successfully in our global community.
The McClain Center was dedicated to William A. McClain in 2004 as the William A. McClain Culture House in recognition of his service to the community. The house was later renamed to the William A. McClain Center for Diversity in 2012 to reflect the student organization occupants of the space; Concerned Black Students, American International Alliance, and Gay/Straight Alliance. McClain called the dedication a 鈥渃rowning moment鈥� in his life. McClain, a Springfield native, was the first African American to win both the state and national Intercollegiate Oratorical Association contests held at Muskingum College in February 1934 and was an overall accomplished student. His professional career was even more accomplished, demonstrating his ambition and perseverance by becoming the first African American member of the Cincinnati Bar Association despite being denied twice and later serving as the first African American to hold the title of City Solicitor in Cincinnati, Ohio from 1963 to 1972. Upon William鈥檚 passing in 2014, 九一麻豆制片厂 President Laurie M. Joyner had this to say about William Andrew McClain, "Throughout his life, he inspired generations of colleagues, students, peers, friends and acquaintances to use their own lives to make a difference. His willingness to go beyond the ordinary, to encourage, to break new ground, and to motivate touched countless individuals, as did his desire to serve humanity and to step up when called upon to do so.鈥�
At the McClain Center, students will be able to find:
- social and personal connection;
- exposure to educational experiences and opportunities outside the classroom such as WITT Connected and the McClain sponsored FIRE Week experience;
- opportunities to engage in dialogue about issues impacting society and self;
- opportunities to recognize and celebrate academic 鈥渨ins鈥� and milestones;
- conversations about how to continue growing as a person beyond the classroom to have a life of meaning.
McClain Center IG