On Friday, April 7, the International Student Association, in collaboration with Radio SNHU, Student Government Association, Diversity Programs and others, hosted the 34th Annual International Gala in the small gym of the Athletic Center.
The goal of the event, which attracted a large crowd, was to increase awareness of the international community here at SNHU and to promote global culture.
The event attracted a large group of students and staff members, who were encouraged to dress semi-formally.
For the first hour of the event, attendees were given an opportunity to mingle with one another and to help themselves to a buffet of Italian, Brazilian and Creole items provided by Sodexo.
The Gala was hosted by Gehad (Gigi) Abdelkarim and Ye-Htet Soe.
University Provost Patricia Lynott opened the event with a speech that emphasized how the International Gala is among her favorite events of the year.
She continued to affirm that international students will always be welcome at SNHU.
Perhaps the most anticipated part of the International Gala was the flag parade. Students represented their native countries by enthusiastically waving the national flag of that country.
Accompanied by upbeat music, the students were called one at a time, representing over fifty countries in total. At the end of the parade, the group stood together on stage and waved their flags together.
The final component of the event was an array of performances that included Bollywood dancing, traditional Nepali and Saudi dances, singing and a classical violin performance.
Junior Samantha Chery particularly enjoyed the performances.
“I really liked the different dance performances. I am very interested in dancing and it’s cool to see all the different styles,” said Chery.
In addition to the performances, there was also a pancake flipping contest. Two volunteers were challenged to flip a pancake in a skillet without dropping it while running across the main stage.
Senior Toneita Thomas thoroughly enjoys this event every year. “It’s always one of my favorite events. It’s very exhilarating to see all the cultures come together,” said Thomas.
The event was followed by an afterparty in the Last Chapter Pub, which featured international sweets, a large cake, Mardi Gras decorations and karaoke.
