Multicultural Celebration
Photos by Billie Throm
Article by Madeline Teeter
NEWBERG, Ore. – The Multicultural Celebration was held on April 6 to celebrate the many backgrounds of George Fox University (GFU) students. The event was run by Residence Life (ResLife) and the Intercultural Resource Center (IRC).
“Last year it was purely HMS and the suites,” said Jordyn Tagudan, a senior. “It was a really great production from our team but it became so big that we expanded to ResLife and the IRC.”
Given the broadened scope of the event this year, more cultures were represented in a variety of ways. For the first hour of the event, students could peruse various stations and earn stickers for a raffle at each table.
Students could place stickers on a map showing where they live and the location tied to their heritage. There was trivia on a wide range of cultures, as well as miniature flags for students to guess countries with.
Candy from various countries was available, such as Roshen Korivka from Ukraine, Hongyuan Guava Candy from China and Kopiko Coffee Candy from Indonesia.
A collection of artworks and culturally significant items were displayed as well, with informational cards for each piece. These ranged from a Fijan War Club to German Beer Steins.
“People got to bring pieces of who they are and share that joy with others,” said Brendaly Anselmo Alvarado, an intercultural programs student intern and one of the emcees for the event. “It felt like a huge party!”
A lively game of Gobak Sodor was held, which is a traditional Indonesian game similar to sharks and minnows. “I really liked the game. It was very fun and interactive,” Tagudan said.
The second part of the event started with a fashion show, where people were able to show off clothes from their cultures. Alvarado wore an ensemble to represent Mexico while other cultures represented were those of South Korea, Philippines and Czechoslovakia.
“Being dressed in my attire with my friends was really fun and heartwarming to see,” Alvarado said. “People connected through their cultures.” Tagudan said, “Seeing people want to represent their cultures proudly and confidently was amazing.”
After the fashion show, students showed off their cultural dances and songs through performances. Tagudan led a group in Hawaiian Hula Dancing. They danced to a song by Josh Tatofi, chosen by Tagudan. “The song that I found was such a beautiful, feminine song for the dance,” Tagudan said.
“I taught my dance group about what it means to be a hula dancer and the importance and history of the dance,” Tagudan said. “Getting to see our hard work from the past three weeks pay off was a highlight for me.”
Hopes are high for the event’s growth in upcoming years. “I want to focus on highlighting the community aspect,” Alvarado said. Tagudan said that she would love to see not just students, but faculty and family members attending as well.
Next year, the performances may start the night, rather than end it, so that visiting community members do not have to stay as late as students may choose.
“I would love it if Student Activities joined in and made it an all campus event,” Tagudan said. While she will be graduating this year, she said she hopes the event outlasts her time at GFU. “If this continues after I’m gone, that will be a big win.”
“Going back to my Christian values, the event felt like a snapshot of what Christ intended; to celebrate the diversity of his kingdom,” Alvarado said.
Students are encouraged to sign up for the various parts of the event the next year, as the celebration always has room for more. Whether it is representing one’s culture through art, food, song, dance or fashion, all are welcome to bring their heritage to the stage.
