The Tech Talk

Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Dacia Idom The music and electric dance moves capture the audience's attention.  The solo performance was followed by a salsa routine with a total of four couples.

Media Credit: Dacia Idom The energy heightened as the band encouraged the crowd to join in with clapping.

Media Credit: Dacia Idom The music and electric dance moves capture the audience's attention.  The solo performance was followed by a salsa routine with a total of four couples.

The International Student Association hosted its 10th annual International Scholarship Dinner Saturday in the Student Center, Main Floor.

Approximately 600 guests enjoyed a buffet of multi-cultural foods such as Saudi Arabian salad, Chinese stir-fry and a dish from Nepal called aloo ka achar.

"It's a pickle made out of a potato," said Ancy Kunjumon, president of the International Student Association and a graduate engineering student.

Kunjumon emceed the event alongside ISA Vice President Bishal Basnyat.

Not only did guests enjoy international foods which Kunjumon said were cooked mostly by volunteer students, but guests enjoyed entertainment from around the world.

"Students performed dances from their home countries," said Joy Chakraborty, coordinator of the international student office.

The buffet dinner is held each year to raise scholarship money for international students who are not eligible for financial aid. This year, the ISA raised money for approximately 12 scholarships worth $500 each.

"Eight of the scholarships were sponsored by a group or an individual," said Chakraborty, who also noted that SGA sponsors a scholarship every year.

Kunjumon said the scholarships are given to international students who are succeeding academically and participate in ISA cultural events.

This year's dinner was sold out and had a waiting list of 70 guests, which Chakraborty said was a nice surprise.

"Tickets went on sale the day we came back from winter break and were sold out by the Tuesday before the dinner," said Chakraborty.

Chakraborty said between 30-40 countries were represented at the 60 tables, each having an international table host.

"Most students were wearing traditional attire from their home countries," Kunjumon said. "Saudi women were wearing their [Saris], and so on."

Kunjumon said the dinner's success is owed to the large number of student volunteers.

"We saw a lot more volunteers this year," Kunjumon said. "They prepared the food, performed for the audience and were very helpful in arranging and coordinating the event."

Those in attendance included Dean of Student Development Linda Griffin and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. James King.

After nearly three hours of experiencing international foods and entertainment, the guests exited the TONK a little more cultured than when they entered.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools