Students of Culture Symposium Advocates for Social Change

Annual event at University of Miami brings together diverse student groups to celebrate culture and push for progress.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Students of Culture Symposium (SOCS) at the University of Miami brought together students on February 28th for a day of activities, exhibits, and experiences that encouraged social change and celebrated cultural diversity. The collaborative event between the American Sign Language Club and Multicultural Student Affairs featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions on topics like ASL and silent disco, and student organization exhibits that blended traditions, music, and art.

Why it matters

The symposium served as a powerful reminder that while progress has been made in recognizing the unique contributions of different cultures, more work remains to be done in the pursuit of true social change and equity. By providing a platform for diverse student voices and perspectives, the event aimed to inspire continued advocacy and action.

The details

The symposium's theme was 'Harmony of Minds: Where Movement, Music, and Meaning Unite.' It featured a keynote address from Dr. Melvin Butler, an Associate Professor of Musicology at the Frost School of Music, as well as breakout sessions on topics like an ASL workshop and silent disco. Student organizations like the Asian American Students Association, National Society of Black Engineers, and Multicultural Nursing Students Organization also participated by tabling at the event.

  • The Students of Culture Symposium took place on February 28, 2026.
  • The event was held in the Shalala Grand Ballrooms at the University of Miami.

The players

Dr. Pat Whitely

Kicked off the symposium with an introduction.

Dr. Melvin Butler

Associate Professor of Musicology at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music and keynote speaker.

Ella Pelligra

Led the 'Hands in Harmony' ASL workshop breakout session.

DJ Moss

Led the silent disco breakout session.

DJ Suave

Led the silent disco breakout session.

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The takeaway

By providing a platform for diverse student voices and perspectives, the Students of Culture Symposium aimed to inspire continued advocacy and action towards greater social change and equity on campus and in the broader community.