UR Multicultural Connections is a program for first-year domestic students from different multicultural backgrounds living in University Residences. While we strive to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, URMC welcomes all Purdue students.
Our goal is to connect students to campus resources and each other. Building a home away from home, we help students make a smooth transition to the Purdue community.
Additionally, this program provides students with opportunities to gain transferable leadership skills by interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
The program offers a variety of fun and educational events for students each semester. Our events are held in person, online, or a combination of both. For more information about our events, please check our social media.
We look forward to meeting you soon. Boiler Up!
Instagram:@purdueurmc
Interested? Contact us at: purdueurmc@purdue.edu
Major: Applied Statistics and Statistics with a Mathematical Emphasis
Hi! My name is Iris, and I am the president of URMC. I have been a part of URMC for almost two years now! I have always had a great passion for meeting new people and organizing events, and URMC provides me with the perfect platform to do that! I have made so many precious connections and have learned so much from the other student leaders of URMC! I look forward to meeting more of you at our future events!
Major: Genetics
Hello there! I'm Ilakkiya Venkatachalam, a junior studying Genetics with minors in Psychology and Chemistry. Some things I love are vanilla soft serve, Wonder Woman, painting, and listening to Pop and EDM music. My favorite part of URMC is seeing the joy we bring to Purdue domestic multicultural students at our various fun, educational, and informational events. I have met some of my best friends through being a part of URMC. Come on and join the fun!
Major: Professional Flight, Aviation Management, and English
Hi, I'm URMC's treasurer for the second year now, and I am very glad to be a part of this organization and its growth. I believe very strongly in our mission to build a diverse community within Purdue and am looking forward to hosting events to do just that this year. See you there!
Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences
Xin chào! (Hello!) My name is Cindy (Chau) Phan, and I am a member of Class of 2023. I was born in Vietnam, and so as part of URMC, I hope to promote cultural vitality and foster an inclusive environment here at Purdue. Despite all the new changes, other URMC officers and I will be working diligently to carry out fun, exciting, and helpful events throughout. I hope to see you all at our meeting and welcome to Purdue!!
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hi, my name is Mandar Yawalkar. I'm a student at Purdue University, pursuing Mechanical Engineering. I find it exciting to interact with people from different backgrounds and origins. I'm always up for any kind of sport, but I usually like to play badminton or go swimming!
Major: Psychology
Hello! My name is Kanika Garg, and I'm a peer educator leader for the upcoming school year. As an Indian American, URMC has provided me with a community that I can be myself in and a place where I can connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This year, I am working on initiating a mentorship program within URMC to build even more connections between our new and current members. I'm looking forward to this year and working with all of you!
Major: Neurobiology
I currently live in Texas. I love Football (soccer), tennis, and staying active! I love talking with people, History stuff, and biology! I love learning languages, culture, dancing, and anything with nature. Huge Purdue fan, and little side note, Lots is the most wonderful place to eat around campus!
Major: Chemical Engineering
Hello, URMC, friends! I am grateful to be part of the team to organize events and to meet amazing people. Seeing the club to grow is the most cheerful thing, and I am looking forward to the new school year. P.S. Something about me: I am a Lady Gaga fan; I love the show Friends; I enjoy hiking, working out, and pop music.
Major: Environmental Biology and Japanese
Hello! I’m Rachael and I’ve lived in 3 different prefectures in Japan and 2 different states in the US. I know the struggle of getting adjusted to a new environment so I want to help new students feel included and at home at Purdue. Some of my hobbies are playing piano, art, and anything outdoors.
Major: Pharmacy
Hi, everyone! My name is Leslie, and I will be a peer educator/student leader for the 2020-21 school year. Having been a member of this club since my freshman year on campus, I have gained so much through the social & educational interaction with my fellow leaders and peers, and I look forward to expanding our outreach & impact these coming semesters!
Major: Civil Engineering
Hello! My name is Bhoshaga, I enjoy making new connections and organizing events! URMC has been the perfect platform to be among like-minded individuals - while exploring activities and cultures. Whenever I'm not playing the piano or studying, I'm usually out and about skating and meeting people. We're not here to survive, we're here to survive. Looking forward to meeting you! "The sky is no longer the limit when there are footprints on the moon".
Major: Business management
Hi!! I’m Ruchika I am from Chattanooga, Tennessee and I am currently a freshmen in business management! Some things I love doing are dancing, photography, hiking, volunteering, traveling, going to concerts, hanging out and spending time with my friends and family, and going on fun adventures!
Major: Political Science
Hello! My name is Esther and I am a peer educator from the class of 2024. I am currently majoring in political science and minoring in Spanish and global liberal arts studies. I love that through URMC, I am able to connect with people from different backgrounds and not only culturally, but major-wise, education level, home state and country-wise, and so many other areas. I am excited for what URMC becomes in the years to come!
Major: Biochemistry (College of Agriculture) and Pre-Communications
Hi, my name is Emma Shelton, and I am a peer educator leader for URMC. I joined URMC this year, and I am currently a sophomore studying biochemistry and pre-communications. I got involved in the club because I saw it as a great opportunity to meet more people on campus from all different majors. Some of my hobbies include baking, watching movies, and hanging out with my friends.
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Hello, everyone! I'm Mac, and I would like to give you a great and welcoming experience here at URMC. My primary focus as a peer educator is promoting a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome. No person is a stranger, and I will always be looking forward to getting to know you all. I hope to see you soon!
Major: Civil Engineering
Hi everybody! It is my second year as the Graduate Assistant for University Residences Multicultural Connections! I am originally from Brazil, but I already lived in 5 different countries. Every year I am more passionate about this program! It is fantastic to see the personal and professional growth of our students! I genuinely believe in the URMC mission; the idea of multicultural students together is excellent. We can learn from each other, and we can use our differences to enrich our learning process.