Students Hungry For Diversity

By: Mary Chadwick/News Editor

Posted: 3/29/06

University of Dallas held its annual International Week this past week, complete with lectures, art and cultural exhibitions, informational booths, receptions and lectures. On Thursday, International Day ended with the campus-wide celebration held in Haggar Foyer and out on the Mall.
Although the weather was not as pleasant as it was last year, students, alumni and members of the UD community bore the cold in order to attend the event. Inside, venders sold everything from pottery to shoes to jewelry, under a colorful array of flags, each one representing the native countries of UD students. Outside, under a large tent, clubs and organizations sold ethnic food, ranging from cupcakes to tabouli.
Participants dressed in native costumes and danced along to international music playing on loud speakers on the mall.
Pamela Jones, Executive Director of International Programs at UD, commented on the week's events in a recent press release. "We are so pleased to host International Week here on campus so that we can recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures in our student body. We see ourselves as an international campus, so it is fitting that we honor other cultures and traditions during this weeklong celebration."
Many students would agree.
"As a person with international roots, it's very refreshing to hear the same Arabic music I like to listen to on a leisurely basis. People were dancing and it was good to see everyone having a good time, despite the bad weather," said Egyptian senior, Alan Saweris.
Some students enjoyed experiencing a culture unlike their own and sampling the ethnic foods.
"I was very impressed with the fantastic feasting, especially the Thai chicken satay and the bubble milk tea [origins unknown]. It was a great time," said senior Krista Raef.