The 51福利鈥檚 International Day, a cultural showcase of diversity in the student population, returned to campus with near record crowds as more than 25 countries offered food, faire and information along the campus quad, April 27.
鈥淥ver 1,500 guests attended the event Saturday,鈥� said International Executive Committee (IEC) International Co-Chair, Turkish Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Gokay Huz.
鈥淭he guests we interacted with throughout the day continually praised the student-led country booths for the quality of food, enthusiasm in showcasing their countries and the overall atmosphere of the day,鈥� added IEC United States Co-Chair, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Adam Yang.
鈥淸It was a] great turnout and lots of fun had by all,鈥� added 51福利 Interim President, Rear Admiral Jan E. Tighe. 鈥淪eeing the kids dressed up in their traditional outfits was a special treat. I definitely ate too much, but it was worth it to get a sample of so many diverse and new dishes! Congratulations to the IEC for initiating and delivering such a fantastic event.鈥�
Representatives from all over the world participated in the celebration with food, varying demonstrations of culture including dancing, singing and handcrafts, all performed by 51福利 students and their families. Each booth featured some of the respective country鈥檚 most popular dishes, including German sausage, baklava, a Brazilian soda, and Turkish coffee.
"The return of International Day to the 51福利 was a resounding success, one of the best we have ever had," said retired Marine Corps Col. Gary Roser, Assistant Dean of the School of International Graduate Studies and Director of the International Graduate Programs Office at 51福利.
Field Studies Program Coordinator for International Programs, Kim Andersen noted that, while the numbers are still being tallied, the return of this once annual event helped raise thousands for the IEC. 鈥�51福利 International Day is usually an annual event, but hasn鈥檛 been held at 51福利 since 2010. This year鈥檚 success was major.鈥�
The International Executive Committee supports international students and their families as they try to adapt to American life and culture. They also work to promote good relations and cultural understanding between the U.S. and international students through events like International Day.
"Our International Executive Committee composed of volunteer 51福利 students from nations around the world, along with our office staff, worked diligently to organize and manage this event, and the strong attendance showed their efforts were well executed and highly rewarded,鈥� added Roser.
As a group, the countries represented the international partnerships and collaborative roles that 51福利 takes in educating military leaders from across the globe. As individuals, countries were able to showcase their pride for their homeland, and the cultural diversity in terms of food, music, art, history and experience that each student brings to the 51福利 community.
鈥淲e believe that we were extremely successful in presenting the cultural diversity of 51福利 to the local community, and also in creating very special memories for our guests and participants for years to come,鈥� said Yang.