Food from over 42 countries, dances, music and fashion from around the world took center stage at the 17th annual International Dinner Saturday night.

"Having a chance to organize the food committee was more than an honor. The most interesting part was that American students, like J.R, Kristin, and Whitney, worked so hard," said Anshul Singhal, food chair for the International Dinner. "It finally seemed like the International Club's dream of seeing more and more Americans involve themselves in the activities of the club. Events like these are a good representation of cultural diversity on our campus."

Over 460 people enjoyed cuisines from almost every continent. The appetizers represented the typical appetizers of Spain, Cuba, Bulgaria, Kenya, Palestine, Turkey, Ethiopia and Bulgaria. The soup dishes included cuisines from Hungary, Spain, Cuba, Iceland, Thailand, China and Guatemala. The main dishes featured entrees from Sri Lanka, India, Sweden, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Singapore, China, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, Estonia, Ethiopia, Kenya, China, Nepal, Russia and Pakistan. The desserts included typical desserts from Sweden, Spain, The United States, India, Colombia and Turkey.

"Not only did Americans enjoy a taste of the specialties of other countries, but so did each international student. The 42 dishes, of which 19 were main entrees, six were soups, nine were appetizers, seven were deserts, well represented the world," said Singhal.

"It felt like home when I tasted Ostkaka that my Swedish friends had made," said Maria Hultstrom, an international student from Sweden.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the establishment of a new International Scholars Program. Murali Thirumal, former president of the International Club and the current president of the alumni association. This endowment fund was created to benefit international students with demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.

The Department of International Education gave a gift of $2,000 to begin the endowment. In order for this fund to award students in the 2003-2004 year, a minimum of $10,000 must be raised by June 30, 2002. The president of the International Club, Simon Valderrabano, presented the proceeds of this dinner to the endowment fund.

"Being an international student, I realize the importance of this endowment. It's truly a godly thing to do. Every student who receives the benefits of this endowment would be blessed," said Singhal.

Then the International Club presented dances, songs and fashion from around the world. Asya Krasteva and Dilanka Seimon hosted the ceremony. The fashion show featured international students dressed in clothing from India, Kenya, Palestine, Morocco, Japan, Russia and The United States.
"Never before have I seen a fashion show that displayed clothing from all over the world at one time in one place," said Singhal.

An Indian dance by Toral, Anisha, Shamini, Rima and Cindy followed.

"It was more than just professional. It was surprising to see my Indian friends being so far from their home, but still maintaining the essence of the dances," said Singhal.

A typical Russian piece, a Spanish song and an American song about love followed. Then, Paula and Carlos entertained their audience with Colombian dance moves. Ghali Kettani from Morocco explained the differences between American and Moroccan cultures through a comical skit.

"I have been experiencing American culture and language for six months now; I was very happy about the compliments from the audience and the way my accent was understood by Americans," said Kettani.

Kattani talked about an encounter with a police office in his sketch.

"The ticket sketch was definitely original. It had a quality to it you can only find within certain circles," said Justin Patterson, a GC&SU student. "It had the entire audience entertained."

The ceremony continued with a creative rap song, another engaging Indian dance, an Indian song and a clever piece of American poetry.

"Even though I have never been to India, this song gave me feeling of what it would be like," said Hultstrom.

A traditional African dance featured international students from Kenya, Ethiopia and England. Christine, Boniface, Grace, Angela, Sagi, Wendy, Nathaniel, Andre, Kevin, Margaret and Josiah combined their moves to show GC&SU a piece of African culture.

"Our hard work of practicing for two weeks finally paid off," said Sagar Jani, an international student born in India, but from Kenya.

The ceremony ended with all the International students charming their audience with their annual International song of "We are the World."

"It was surprising to see how people from different countries, who have been brought with different mindsets, could work together for one common purpose and put up such a good show," said Singhal. "Libby Davis and Dr. Dwight Call are the driving forces behind the largest and, in my eyes, the best organization on campus."

"Everything ran more smoothly this year because a lot more students were involved this time," said Dilanka Seimon, ex-president of the International Club and an international student from Sri Lanka.

Next year's International Dinner will take place next spring semester and promises to be just as successful as this year's.

"The last International dinner showed us another small example of students working together as a team, towards a goal, despite their nationality, cultural background or beliefs. And certainly, here at GC&SU, we should be proud of that," said Valderrabano.

For more information, please contact the International Club at 445-4789 or visit their website.