International Celebration coming to University Center

Trine students' cultures represented

 

The University Center at Trine University will be transformed into an international bazaar on Saturday, April 4 beginning at 5 p.m., when the International Student Association (ISA) and other student organizations and departments host the 41st annual International Cuisine and Cultural Celebration.

Music, food, exhibits, activities and entertainment from the countries of Trine students will fill the mall area and theater. Ethnic foods can be sampled at the various booths at a cost of a $1 ticket for each sample. Tickets will be on sale at the doors and at ticket booths in the mall area. All other events are free, and no reservations are required.

Countries, regions, and tribes represented will be Argentina, Bolivia, China, India, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Mexico, Italy, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Saipan, Sweden, England, Panama, Syria, Potawatomi, and Jamaica. Students and staff members will wear clothing representative of their cultures.

Displays and activities will include international storytelling, caricature drawing, cultural exhibits, arts and crafts, Chinese calligraphy, Japanese origami, and boulder climbing at Trine’s rock wall, which will represent Argentina’s Mount Aconcagua. Vice President of Study Abroad Dr. Dolores Tichenor and colleagues will provide information about Trine’s Study Abroad program.

The global marketplace will close in the mall area at 7 p.m., when the crowd’s attention will turn to Fabiani Theatre for performances by Trine students and staff. Dances from various cultures, a Hindi song, a taekwondo demonstration and a video of Trine’s ISA history and activities will be followed by a professional Chinese dragon dance to wrap up the evening.

“The international celebration is a way to celebrate the growing diversity on our campus while teaching and learning about world cultures,” said Mari Williams of the Trine Office of International Student Services.

The Trine and local communities are invited to attend the celebration. Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted as payment for food tickets.