Multicultural Student Services: Organizations
The Citadel’s color barrier was initially broken in 1905 with the admission of Cuban students, followed by Asian exchange students in the late 1920s. The first African American cadet, Charles D. Foster, was admitted in 1966 and graduated in 1970. Learn how you can do your part to help enhance the college’s efforts to advance inclusion and belonging and build on the legacy of student leadership established by trailblazers who came before you.
African American Society
The African American Society’s mission is grounded in leadership, character development and community service. Founded in 1971 as the Afro-American Student Association, the group has evolved from its initial purpose as a study group into an organization that seeks to create a space for students to form social connections while learning about and confronting issues facing the black community.
Visit the group’s official webpage to learn how you can become a member.
S.A.L.S.A. Club
Welcome to the SALSA Club (the Hispanic & Latino Student Club) at The Citadel—a vibrant community fostering cultural engagement, camaraderie, and empowerment. Immerse yourself in our dynamic biweekly meetings held on Tuesdays, where connections thrive, and cultural understanding unfolds. Stay informed about upcoming events, discussions, and activities by tuning into our regular email updates.
Connect with us on our social media accounts to stay tuned for the latest updates and exciting happenings: IG & FB @ElCidSalsa.
From vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations to the colorful traditions of Day of the Dead and Carnival, along with competitive game nights, captivating movie evenings, and the joy of exploring diverse culinary experiences together, our club is a hub for crafting unforgettable moments. Our purpose is to create a supportive space where students can forge lasting connections, delve into cultural traditions, and foster a sense of belonging. Through engaging events, diverse activities, and the joy of shared experiences, we aim to celebrate diversity and empower each member to thrive academically and personally. Come share your stories, explore traditions, and create lasting memories with us!
Join us on this journey to embrace, celebrate, and honor the Hispanic and Latino experience at The Citadel. All are welcome. Let’s make this college experience unforgettable together!
#CulturalEngagement #StudentClubLife #EmbraceDiversity
CLUB OFFICERS (2023-2024)
President: Zyhnue Alvarado Ríos
Vice President: Austin Wang
Treasurer: Braxton Knight
Secretary: Kevin López
Social Media Manager: Alison Gallegos
Faculty Co-Advisors: Dr. Vicente Gomis-Izquierdo & Dr. Jhoanna Méndez
CONTACT US
Zyhnue Alvarado Ríos: zalvara1@citadel.edu
Dr. Vicente Gomis-Izquierdo: vgomisiz@citadel.edu
Dr. Jhoanna Méndez: jmendez3@citadel.edu
The Citadel Gospel Choir
Co-founded in 1988 by cadets Tommy French, ’89, Charles Wallace, ’90, and Kenyatta Jackson, ’90, the Gospel Choir is currently under the direction of Rev. Rodney Ballentine. Dr. Felice Knight – assistant professor of history – is the group’s campus advisor. (credit: Tessa Updike, archivist, Daniel Library, Archives & Museum and director of the Truth Racial Healing & Transformation Center)
The Gospel Choir in the News
The revival of The Citadel Gospel Choir
Live performances may have stopped, but The Citadel Gospel Choir has not
National Society of Black Engineers
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) supports the academic enrichment and professional growth of current and aspiring African American engineers and scientists. In addition to regular meetings, The Citadel’s chapter hosts community outreach for middle and high school students and engages in professional development activities such as elevator pitches and mock interviews. Contact the group’s current president – Tyler Gethers – at tgethers@citadel.edu to learn more about NSBE’s work and how to become a member.
Also, visit NSBE’s national website to learn more about the organization’s mission to support the academic enrichment and professional growth of future and current African American engineers and scientists.
