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Stags Share Stories: Storytellers Foster Connections Through Annual Event

Nov 17, 2023

The DiMenna-Nyselius Library and the Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs organized the second annual event, Stags Share Stories: Conversations That Connect Us.

The DiMenna-Nyselius Library and Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs held the second annual Stags Share Stories: Conversations That Connect Us event on Nov. 8 at the library, with Zoom modality offered. Approximately 100 students, faculty, and staff members met with 13 different “storytellers."

The event offered an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to connect and promote a culture of understanding, empathy, and appreciation of the University’s diverse community. Stags Share Stories is inspired by previous years' Human Library events, and encourages engagement through conversations with storytellers who share their personal experiences, identities, and perspectives on topics ranging from race, class, religion, disability, and more.

“This year, I spoke with a student who opened up about their journey with bipolar disorder and substance abuse. The conversation was such a gift to me. Events like Stags Share Stories where we share and listen to each other are so essential; they connect us to our shared humanity,” said Dean of the Library Christina McGowan.

Annually, the Stags Share Stories event provides a platform for the Fairfield community to have conversations that cultivate inclusion and aid in awareness of the different backgrounds and identities that are vital to a vibrant campus life. Engineering graduate student Noor Khattak said of the storytellers, “Their stories made me recognize my own. I found true inspiration in every word I heard.”