Attendees enjoyed a meal featuring food from across the globe.
Bemidji State University’s international students celebrated the traditions and cultures of their home countries at the 50th Annual Festival of Nations held on April 12. The festival, with its theme of “We All Smile in The Same Language,” is Bemidji State longest-running multicultural festival.
The event highlighted the cultural heritage of the university’s diverse student body and gave students, employees and community members a platform to express their stories through multicultural performances, ethnic foods and personal connections.
“We celebrated different cultures by showing traditional apparel, sharing ethnic food and having diverse performances,” Solar Hong, coordinator for the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, said. “It was great to see all the smiling faces of students, faculty, staff, and community members who were able to make it to the event.”
The event kicked off with a flag processional and welcome followed by various song, dance and spoken word performances and presentations.
“Many students perform in this event which includes singing, dancing, speech, poem, and other cultural activities. It is so good to learn more about other countries culture and how the people are through this event,” Sarvika Shetty, president of BSU’s International Students Organization, said.
The Festival of Nations is sponsored by BSU’s International Student Organization, Students United, the Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the International Program Center.
Contact
- Dr. Ye “Solar” Hong, coordinator for the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; ye.hong@bemidjistate.edu, (218) 755-3773
Links
Bemidji State University, located amid the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota, occupies a wooded campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling more than 5,100 students, Bemidji State offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and eight graduate degrees encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. BSU is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities and has a faculty and staff of more than 550. The university’s Shared Fundamental Values include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and international and multicultural understanding. For more, visit bemidjistate.edu or find us at BemidjiState on most of your favorite social media networks.
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