This fall, The University of Olivet launched the Multicultural and First Generation Male College Student Success Series, addressing the needs of self-identified multicultural and first-generation male students, an often overlooked and underrepresented group.
The Multicultural and First Generation Male College Student Success Series is a collaboration presented through the college’s Athletic Department, Student Resource Center and Multicultural Office with three main objectives. The first is to help the population of self-identified multicultural and first-generation male students develop positive educational and social tools to excel at The University of Olivet. The second is host diverse leaders and speakers on campus who address topics around the theme, “How to Excel in a Predominantly White College (PWC). Lastly, the series aims to build a network of mentorship and support through connecting students with staff, faculty, and coaches who provide support and encouragement throughout the student’s academic journey.
The program held its first speaking event Sept. 12, welcoming diversity and inclusion training expert Dar Mayweather and 53 students. Next, Karl Borree, life coach, team consultant and business/entrepreneur consultant, will present on Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Kirk Center’s Oak View Room.
Borree uses personal experiences and his own unique perspectives to help individuals learn how to face setbacks, navigate change and embrace new possibilities in their lives and careers. Through personal development coaching strategies and motivational questions, Borree helps individuals break through mental roadblocks and take more control of their futures. As a first generation college student himself, Borree also aims to connect with college students in similar situations and to encourage them to reach their goals.
Borree serves as a national sales and marketing manager for Horner Sports Flooring, a principal for a global sporting goods clothing brand and a principal for a global marketing and consulting agency. He is a licensed broker in the United States and a licensed international broker in the London Stock Exchange. Borree also has 13 years of college, seven years of high school and four years of professional football coaching experience, and 21 years of experience as a martial arts instructor.
Borree holds a bachelor’s degree in international economics and speech communication from Northern Michigan University, a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and teaching from Michigan Technological University and a master’s degree in coaching and sports marketing from the United States Sports Academy.
For more information about the Multicultural and First Generation Male College Student Success Series, contact Jason Meadows, interim dean of student life, at jmeadows@uolivet.edu or 269.749.7172.