Diversity Center Alumni
The Diversity Center is committed to providing alumni with insight into diversity and inclusion initiatives, challenges, and successes on campus. We also strive to create space for alumni to (re)connect with each other, The Diversity Center, and the university.
Whether or not you were a student when the dCenter was established, our values of critical reflection, perspective taking and community resonate with a wide range of alumni who believe in our mission. Please join us as we celebrate our continued efforts as collective voices of resistance and change.
Diversity Deep Dive:
Advice, Farewells, Sunset
Fourth Biennial Diversity Center Alumni Trip
May 29 – June 6, 2024 | Santo Domingo & Punta Cana Dominican Republic
We are excited to announce our next dCenter Alumni trip to the Dominican Republic May 29-June 6, 2024! We hope that travelers will be able to immerse themselves in the rich history of the Dominican Republic, exploring the complexities of race and nationality of the “first colony of the New World.”
The registration fee for the trip is $500 per traveler. The fee includes some meals, some ground transportation, and two excursion. Registration will open September 1; deadline for registration is January 31, 2024.
We will continue to update our site this summer with the full itinerary and other logistics. Stay tuned! For questions, please feel free to email Angie Hambrick (hambriaz@plu.edu).
Schedule & Details
Welcome to Santo Domingo!
Arrive at our destination and check into your lodging.
After Christopher Columbus’s arrival on the island in 1492, Santo Domingo became the site of the first cathedral, hospital, customs house and university in the Americas. In the Colonial Zone, we will be able to tour various historical sites and landmarks, including the oldest church and fortress in the Americas.
We round out the day with dinner, a Salsa lesson, and an opportunity to check out the nightlife in the Zona Colonial.
Logistics
- We will meet at a designated location in the Zona Colonial at 10:00a
- Lunch and Salsa lesson included in the registration fee
- Breakfast and dinner on your own
- Wear good walking shoes!
The tour starts with a walking tour to the slave market and through the alleys of Santo Domingo’s Old town. We will also visit the rum museum to learn about the tools enslaved people used in the sugar factories. Then we head west towards San Cristobal where well-preserved structures of antique sugar factories will give us an idea of the historical sugar and rum production, which was accomplished solely by the power of oxen and above all, enslaved Africans.
Logistics
- The tour will depart at approximately 9:00a and conclude at 4:00p
- Tour and lunch included in the registration fee
- Breakfast and dinner on your own
Beach Day! Located on the south side of the Dominican Republic, La playa de Boca Chica has white sand, calm, and clear waters. Enjoy sea, sand, and sun at one of the resorts on the beach, which will include sand and sea equipment, and access to food and beverages.
Logistics
- We will depart to Boca Chica at approximately 10:00a
- Transportation to Boca Chica, resort day pass, and lunch covered by the registration fee
- Breakfast and dinner on your own
Free Day to choose your own adventure. Options include:
- National Botanical Gardens
- Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos
- Amber World Museum
Or take the day to just chill. In the evening, we will have our final group meal in Santo Domingo.
Logistics
- All excursions. breakfast, and lunch on your own
- Group dinner in covered by the registration fee
Say farewell to Santo Domingo as we travel about 3 hours to Punta Cana. Upon our arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore or chill by the pool.
Logistics
- Departure time TBD
- Transportation to Punta Cana and dinner covered by the registration fee
- Breakfast and lunch on your own
With our tour guide, we will explore Higüey, with a panoramic view of the Basilica, enjoy a handmade cigar demonstration, visit residents of Punta Cana and witness the coffee and cacao process, and visit El Macao beach.
Logistics
- Departure time TBD
- Excursion and lunch covered by the registration fee
- Breakfast and dinner on your own
On our final day together in the Dominican Republic, feel free to use that time to arrange your own excursion, hang out, relax and chill. We will also have our last group meal.
Logistics
- Breakfast, lunch, and excursions on your own
- Dinner covered by the registration fee
We hope you had a great time, had the opportunity to learn and engage in the culture, and (re)connection with each other.
See you in 2026 for our domestic trip…
We are excited to offer Spanish language lessons for travelers!
- Videos
- Music
- Poetry
- Guest speakers/participants
- Interactive final individual assessment
About the Instructor
The registration fee for the trip is $500 per traveler. The fee includes some meals, some ground transportation, and two excursions. Registration will open September 1; deadline for registration is January 31, 2024.
Stay tuned for more information.
We will begin our trip in Santo Domingo and end in Punta Cana. Flights must be coordinated by each traveler, however the Team would be happy to assist. All participants must arrive in Santo Domingo by 8:00a on Thursday, May 29 to participate fully in the first day’s activities.
More info coming soon!
In Santo Domingo, we are recommending Hotel Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando. Located in the Zona Colonial, Hotel Hodelpa offers single and double occupancy rooms at reasonable rates. **Lodging arrangements in Santo Domingo must be made by each traveler.
In Punta Cana, The Office of DJS may secure a shared lodging option with limited occupancy (~12) for a fee. Stay tuned for more information.
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