United by people

11/16/2009
By Nikky Farmakes
Staff Writer
Photos by Sammie Crotteau

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Seventy-eight participants, thirty-one countries, thirteen years, nine exotic food dishes, and one human race came together this Saturday, Nov. 14 for the University of Wisconsin - Superior’s 13th annual Cultural Night in Thorpe Langley Auditorium.

For 13 years, the World Student Association has put on Cultural Night as a way to showcase the diverse cultures represented on the UWS campus. The event has blossomed over the years from a small exhibition to a grand community wide showcase. 

“Everyone is working so hard; there have been a lot of long nights of rehearsals and practices,” said RaeAnn Johnson, the secretary of WSA. “It's hard to find time for everything, but usually the couple weeks before cultural night happens, it is non-stop work trying to get everything put together.” 

Since September, all the students participating worked hard to plan and put together decorations, promotions and performances. WSA students sold tickets all last week to both students and community members to both the Global Feast, and the show. 

“It’s always amazing,” said senior Stacie Strutevant. “I’ve gone for four years, and probably will go more.”

Those who bought tickets the dinner were treated in the Rothwell Student Center’s Ballroom to a variety of foods from all across the globe such as beef curry from Sri Lanka, stir fried chicken with potato from China and chicken and collard greens from Cameroon. 

Students participating in the show wore traditional dress for the culture they were from as they mingled with the guests.  

After the dinner, guests found their way to Thorpe Langley Auditorium in Old Main for the main show. Theresa Raab and Emmanuel Tucker hosted the show and described it as a “Cultural rollercoaster.” 

The show contained a mixture of songs, dances, fashion and poetry that held true to the night’s theme – “Once United by Land, Now United by People” – including a flag ceremony with a flag representing each of the 31 countries that have students currently attending UWS.  

The program ended with another flag ceremony where students exchanged flags in a visual demonstration of hope that one day cooperation and peace will bridge all cultures. 

WSA also puts on multiple events that work towards uniting international students with non-international students.  

“WSA makes trips to Valley Fair, Apple Fest, ski trips, international food demonstration, Cultural Sports Fiesta, and we have just recently had our very first International Paintballing event,” said Johnson.