History

In the spring of 1996, an ad-hoc group with representatives from Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO), Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), the Counseling Center, Student Life, Housing, Academic Progress, and the Race Task Force met to share information, talk about overlapping events, and to collaborate in sponsoring a reception during fall term for students of color.  ASUO and OMA were planning a reception and opened up their events to other offices to join in planning one large reception to welcome students, staff, and faculty of color to our campus.  Although fall of 1996 was the first co-sponsored event, it was the 10^th annual reception; the previous nine were sponsored solely by the OMA.

Weaving New Beginnings was born and the reception was held in early fall to bring together students, faculty, and staff of color to facilitate introductions and conversations.  Allies were also invited.  The event included entertainment by invited guests as a personal way of getting to know each other.  Food and information on getting involved with various groups also became part of the reception.

The reception sponsors have grown each year and include many groups on campus including student service departments, student unions, academic departments, student government, and community groups.  Sponsorship of the reception includes in-kind donations and funding.