April 28, 2003, Bloomfield, NJ- Bloomfield College students in professor Njambi Oigo’s Freshmen Seminar class decided they wanted to beautify the school as part of their community service project. The result of the students’ vision is a diversity quilt, which is on display in the lower level of the Bloomfield College Library.
As part of the project, the students contributed a piece of cloth that held a special meaning for him or her. The students had to agree upon the method in which all fabrics would be combined in an aesthetically pleasing way. According to the students, this task was much harder than it seemed at first. The class pieced the panels into a quilt, which not only reflects the individuality and collective vision of the students, but also serves as an artistic piece for the college campus.
“This was their project…I only served as an overseer to the students,” said Professor Oigo. “However, I noticed that students learned about the essence of teamwork and unity….they even felt a sense of belonging.”
Oigo also added that leadership abilities began to emerge from the students as they put in extra time to make this project a success. Every student took an active part, and even the more timid ones began to “step up” contributing to the final design.
“I am proud of them,” said Oigo.
The exhibit will be on view in the Bloomfield College Library, corner of Liberty Street and Oakland Avenue, through the end of the spring 2003 semester.
Founded in 1868 as a Presbyterian seminary, Bloomfield College has
renewed itself to meet the changing needs of the community. The College has
earned national recognition for its innovative, high quality academic and
co-curricular programs and for its commitment to serve students from all
backgrounds, particularly those who have traditionally been excluded from
higher education. Its mission is to prepare students to attain academic,
personal and professional excellence in a multicultural and global society.
