The Black Student Union  teamed up with the Latino Student Union for their first large collaboration of the school year on Jan. 26 in the Shiel Student Life Center to hear from a speaker who provided information about Purdue University’s Business Opportunity Program, which helps students figure out their career options, gain tools for their futures and develop relationships in the business world. 

Mr. Ken Barlow ‘82, vice president for community relations and diversity and moderator of the BSU, said, “The Business Opportunity Program actively recruits students who historically come from underrepresented minority groups to hopefully be in their program and consider Purdue as an option for their future education.” The BOP, while assisting students in figuring out their careers and getting them connected, also helps students — if they’ve been admitted through the program — navigate through internships. 

Alongside talk of the Purdue BOP, the speaker also provided information about Purdue’s Future Scholars Program that takes place in July. “The speaker (presented) to juniors about this week-long residential summer camp, which is free of charge,” Barlow said. “The summer program is meant specifically for Latino and African American students, however.”

Student unions, such as the Asian Student Union, BSU, LSU, Girl Up Club, EMBRACE club and the Alliance Club are all categorized as diverse clubs. “They’re basically cultural groups where people can celebrate their affinity,” Barlow said. “It’s important because it helps a select group of students learn and grow.”

While having opportunities like the BOP, the Black Student Union and other affinity groups also help with multicultural assemblies and the Black History Month assembly. Barlow said, “The theme for this year’s Black History Month assembly is poetic justice, and currently the BSU is working on the planning for that.”

When asked about the Purdue BOP meeting and its significance, Barlow said, “I think it’s another reflection of our efforts to make sure that all students and families feel welcomed and valued here. It’s our best effort for inclusivity and diversity and for pushing students forward.”