UVU Celebrates Cultural Diversity

Orem--Utah Valley University kicked off its Global Engagement Week with the International Community Festival in the Student Center Ballroom Monday.
The festival brought together a diverse crowd of students and members of the community from all around the world. Children and adults alike had the opportunity to learn about a variety of cultures by visiting booths filled with authentic crafts, country information, games and ethnic finger foods.
Remembering Our Culture (ROC) entertained attendees of the festival throughout the night with song and dance performed by international students from local universities. Group members represented countries from all over the world: South America, Philippines, Korea, Japan, China, Mexico, Native America, the Polynesian Islands, the Mediterranean Sea and many other beautiful places.
The International Community Festival was one of the many events scheduled to take place during Global Engagement Week (GEW). UVU is promoting cultural awareness by encouraging students and the community at large to participate in this week's events.
"The International Committee chose 'Together We Can' as the theme because when international students come to UVU they frequently feel that they are not part of the community," said Dr. Blair Van Dyke, Coordinator of International Affairs at the Orem Institute of Religion and member of the University International Committee. "This festival is intended to bring international students and members of the community together. As students have the opportunity to get more involved in the Utah Valley community, they feel more comfortable here and we get to know more about them and the rich and diverse cultures from which they have come."
GEW offers students and the community the opportunity to participate in several activities during the week, including the International Food Extravaganza, Japanese Cultural Night, Native American Pow-wow, an International Ping Pong Tournament and other activities. GEW encourages UVU students to become more productive citizens in the global society.
"If you want to be a globally competent graduate, you need to take every opportunity to learn about other cultures," said Maryna Storrs, program coordinator for the Office of International Affairs and Diplomacy. "The reality is that when you graduate, you're going to be in the market place where global skills and knowledge will put you up front."