During International Night, Aileen Mootoo-Robertson and Amanda Kitch announce the winners of one of the raffles. Prizes included $10 gift certificate to La Madeline, tanning gift car to Franco's and Maria's restaurant.
Riana Braselman/The Lion's Roar
A variety of cultures came together to celebrate the diversity of the university.
On Nov. 14, the Student Union Ballroom was transformed into a hub of global unity allowing guests of different nationalities to share with each other their favorite dishes and musical traditions.
Aileen Mootoo-Robertson, a French professor explained how International Night was the first event lined up for this upcoming week, International Education Week.
“This is celebrated nationally and the whole purpose of this is to celebrate our international students,” said Mootoo-Robertson. “Here at Southeastern, obviously, we celebrate and let our international students know that Southeastern is invested in their education.”
Mootoo-Robertson was representing Senegal by sporting a boubou, formal attire from Western Africa. The countries represented specifically that night were Senegal, Vietnam, China, Germany, France, Italy, Morocco and East India.
The event commenced with food sampling showcasing dishes from different countries.
“I think it’s really interesting to see a lot of examples of different cultures and to hear the different music and taste the different foods from different countries,” said Hannah Furlan, a senior psychology major.
Once guests had a chance to begin eating, a variety show began. This presentation included songs performed in different languages by international and native singers, several types of dances were performed and the audience was invited to participate in learning belly dancing and doing the limbo.
International students were able to share the uniqueness of their cuisines and music with each other and American students.
Mootoo-Robertson explained that the event had a dual purpose.
“We’re here to celebrate international students, but it’s also to expose our American students to their culture,” said Mootoo-Robertson.
Jared Matherne, a senior biology major expressed what it means for an American student to attend International Night.
“We blend and see how diverse this campus actually is,” said Matherne. “‘Cause you hear about it all the time, but you never really see it. So tonight gives you an opportunity to see it.”
For Columbian ESL student Julian Beltran, performing a Spanish song on violin titled “La Gata Golosa” or in English, “The Greedy Cat” for the audience meant representing his country and culture.
“I’m showing what I am because what I am is where I am from,” said Beltran. “I am showing the people my life and everything there.”
Amanda Kitch, a sophomore communication major was the Master of Ceremonies or MC for the night. She described the value of the event as a whole.
“It meant so much for me to be up there,” said Kitch. “At a time where the United States itself is rather divided, International Night is about other world cultures uniting together.”
Alumnus Lindory Dyson performs a belly dancing routine and later instructed the audience on the basics of belly dancing.
Riana Braselman/The Lion's Roar
Audience members were invited to take part in a limbo challenge on stage.
Riana Braselman/The Lion's Roar