From the foods that he eats to the music he listens to, Daniel Venske has been experiencing diversity all of his life.

Venske’s upbringing in a big city is what exposed him to numerous cultural backgrounds.

But all students do not have the same advantages as Venske, a senior in management information systems from Forest Park and a member of the Chess Club, who compares the game of chess to diversity.

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As part of the HED-101 Foundations of Human Health class, the first Diversity Fair was Thursday in the Student Center International Lounge.

The game of chess is not restricted to any type of class he said. It is for the young and old, the rich and poor, white African -American or Spanish.

Tables from various Registered Student Organizations were set up to inform students about the organizations. There also was an open microphone for students to display talents or talk about their organization. About 15 RSOs participated. Students attended from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Robert Rados decided to start the Diversity Fair because he said it is important for people to be able to appreciate their differences.

Diversity comes from starting to look at our own differences, he said. This (the fair) started as a group project, and instead of having this presented in the classroom we extended it.

Rados said he realized that people do not do things together, and a diversity fair would be a good opportunity to share valuable information.

I wanted to improve communication with all people and share any differences with other people, he said. Part of the educational experience is how we work together, learn from each other and grow. The more we have to experience, the more we have to enjoy.

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Harvey Welch, SIUC vice chancellor for Student Affairs, said the Diversity Fair was a way for students to learn new things about each other.

All people need to learn to live in harmony with other people, he said. An affair of this nature presents an opportunity for this to occur.

Welch said the fair will be beneficial in the future as the participants can spread the idea of diversity throughout the campus.

Emily Lewis, an undecided freshman from Chicago and a member of the Student Environmental Center, said her RSO participated in the fair to let others know what the group is about.

It’s important that all groups associated with SIUC represent themselves and educate people about what they are doing, she said. It’s really good to see everyone come together and interact.

Tracy Clark, a doctoral student in English from Griffith, Ind., said the Diversity Fair is an open sampling of cultures represented on campus.

It’s a good way to show that diversity has several definitions, she said. It’s not embodied by one group or one kind of group.

When people hear the word diversity, they think of white and black or gay and lesbian, but diversity represents everyone. Even white, Protestant, heterosexual males are diverse.

Chris Caris, a senior in zoology from Markham and a member of the Wildlife Society, said the Diversity Fair was an opportunity for him to see what other organizations have to offer.

I actually signed up for Habitat for Humanity, he said. It’s real easy to get caught up in your own circle of people you share interests with. This is a chance to get out and see other student organizations and what they are about.