RVCs-New-Cultural-Center-Inspires-Connection.php

RVC's New Cultural Center Inspires Connection

• Students
• 12/12/2025

“Our concept for the new Cultural Center was to create a space where students could engage and showcase their cultures, connect with one another, and share meaningful parts of who they are and what they do,” said Intercultural Student Services Coordinator Kyle Huddleston, who introduced Rock Valley College’s new Cultural Center as an inclusive space designed to support and celebrate the college’s underrepresented and diverse student populations.

The Cultural Center officially opened its doors this fall in the Stenstrom Student Center, providing students with a space to meet, relax, create, and participate in enriching programming. The space is intentionally divided into two distinct yet connected areas to meet a wide range of student needs.

As part of the intentional design, one side of the center is arranged as a flexible conference-style meeting room, already in use by several affinity-based student organizations, including Sexual and Gender Equality (SAGE) Club, Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) Club, the Multicultural Club, Veteran's Club and Black Student Union (BSU). These groups now have a dedicated place to gather, plan events, and build community.

The other half of the Cultural Center serves as an open lounge, a warm, welcoming space where students can unwind, socialize, and feel a sense of belonging between classes. A student-designed mural is currently in progress, adding a personal and creative touch to the growing environment.

Huddleston also hopes to incorporate a rotating student art gallery, inviting student creators to display their work and share their stories with the campus community. Alongside the proposed art gallery, an RVC student has been commissioned to create a mural for the new space. “We wanted a mural that is eye-popping and engaging, while also representing what we want this space to embody,” said Kyle. “The design we selected features a globe transformed into a human face, compete with eyes, cheeks, lips, and other defining facial features. The contours of the world form and shape the features, creating the overall face.”

The face is meant to represent Rock Valley College’s student body and ethos. The different continents coming together to form the face symbolize how the unique backgrounds, cultures, and identities of the students collectively shape the culture of Rock Valley College. The goal is for every student to see a part of themselves reflected in this mural. 

Beyond the visual elements, the Cultural Center will serve as the new home for several Intercultural Student Services (ISS) programs, including What’s the Tea Tuesday, workshops, and future cultural events designed to foster connection and celebrate identity.

The Cultural Center has quickly become a welcoming gathering spot on campus, offering students a place to connect, and feel a sense of belonging. Students are encouraged to use the space for studying, meeting with friends, participating in club activities, or engaging in campus programs.

Reflecting on what the new Cultural Center will mean for students, Dean of Students Dr. Luevinus Muhammad said, “The Cultural Center offers students, faculty, and the greater community a welcoming space to explore global perspectives, connect through shared experiences, and participate in cultural events, workshops, and educational programs.”