A Night to Remember

Walking through the entrance of Campion Ballroom, the first thing I could feel was a vibrant energy. Japanese lanterns were strung over the hallway and a big lit “Welcome” sign above the door created a truly welcoming feeling for those in attendance at the annual International Dinner, “Around the World: Night Market,” on March 5.

All around me, community members representing a diversity of cultures were displaying pride in their heritages through food, cultural arts and performances.

As a volunteer for the event, I had the opportunity to try various delicious foods that were prepared by SU students and staff! There was an array of choices ranging from banana lumpia, a Filipino desert spring roll, to Chinese chow mein, to traditional Thai milk tea and Korean Kimchi fried rice. The food wasn’t the only thing through brought the campus out to the dinner, which was held in-person for the first time in two years. There were performances throughout the night featuring SU Taiko, Bollywood and Zambuko Marimba Ensemble. People were enjoying the live music and dancing so much, some of them jumped in and began preforming themselves! It was wonderful to see the international community at Seattle University being represented in a way that was both inclusive and educational. Having been an international student at one point in my life, it was inspiring to see how welcoming the community is and how interested peers are in learning more about others’ cultures.

The International Dinner’s night market style was a great approach to the event as it gave attendees an opportunity to walk through and take their time talking with students and faculty at the different stations set up in the ballroom. It was a night to remember.

Get Involved
If you are interested in participating in the event next year email Lauren Albano, the assistant director at the International Student Center, at albanol@seattleu.edu to learn more about the volunteer process or to apply for a position as Global Ambassador.