Lipscomb celebrates its diverse community with WOW Week, March 27-31
Lacey Klotz |
Since 2005, Lipscomb University’s minority enrollment has increased by 346 percent, and today, 49 states and 47 nations are represented within Lipscomb’s student body alone.
Each year, in an effort to embrace each individual that makes the Lipscomb University so special, the Office of Intercultural Development provides opportunities for students to learn about and engage in different cultures through the university’s annual Welcome to Our World (WOW) week, March 27-31.
On Monday, March 27, a world buffet was held in the Bison Café from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with food represented from around the world. Lipscomb’s own executive chef, Darry Huntsman, prepared the food especially for this event.
On Tuesday, March 28, the Office of Intercultural Development will hold an assortment of FREE International Teas and music from 2-4 p.m. in Zebi’s Lounge.
At 6 p.m., Dr. Gatlauk Thack, president and founder of Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE) will host a talk in Stowe Hall about what is happening in South Sudan today. NICE is an organization that ensures refugees and immigrants achieve their full potential now and for generations to come. A reception will be held in the Swang lobby at 5:30, and Sudanese sweet treats will be served. This event is free and open to the public.
On Wednesday, March 29, in conjunction with Lipscomb’s Service Day, the WOW team is sponsoring opportunities to serve with intercultural organizations such as The Branch of Nashville, Youth Encouragement Services, Carpenter’s Square, Nashville International Center for Empowerment and East Nashville Cooperative Ministry.
That evening, there will be two opportunities to learn cultural dances in the Student Activities Center, in honor of WOW Week. At 4:30 p.m., Kavya Patel will teach a basic Bollywood dance routine, and at 6 p.m. Dallas Karr will lead a Salsa Dance class, in the group fitness room.
On Thursday, March 30, the Multicultural Awareness Skills and Knowledge (M.A.S.K.) chapel will present an international student panel with student speakers Cecilia Sui, Sahel Gingerich, Sena Seged and Zuriel Godinez. Lisa Steele, assistant dean of the Office of Intercultural Development, will moderate the discussion with panelist from various countries about different traditions in family, marriage, aging and other issues. The chapel will be held in the Doris Swang Chapel, located in the Ezell Center, from 10:55-11:35 a.m.
Free sweet treats from around the globe will be served at the Student Concierge Desk, located in the Bennett Campus Center from noon to 2 p.m. Baklaba, flan and arroz con leche are just a few of the 500 desserts that will be available on Thursday, March 30.
That night, the Office of Intercultural Development will sponsor an Intercultural Fashion Show at 7 p.m. in Shamblin Theatre. During the show, students will model authentic fashions from diverse cultures as well as provide entertainment at intermission. This event is free and open to the public.
On Friday, March 31, the Office of Intercultural Development will wrap up the week with the fourth annual Food Fest event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Allen Arena Mall. Food trucks with foods from many different countries will be present for students, faculty and staff, as well as the greater Nashville community to purchase food. During Food Fest, there will be live music from Lipscomb students: Grant Parker, Madeline Bales and Hazel Gray.
Food trucks include: Tacos Maria, Mojo Cookie Dough & Creanery, Itty Bitty Doughnuts, Brothers Burgers, A Little Italian, Rita’s, Balkan Express, King Tut, Busan Bop, Bao Down and Banh Mi & Roll.
For more information, visit: www.lipscomb.edu/intercultural.