Internationals showcase traditions

After the weeklong, lazy-filled, travel-packed, vacation of spring break, students will return to experience a week of cultural events presented by the Student Activities Board.

Wade Shapp, marketing director of Student Activities Board said, “All ASU students are invited to come just like any other SAB event and anyone with motivation to learn about cultures.”

Cultural Week’s activities include a cultural showcase at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 on the first floor of the Reng Student Union. International students will showcase their culture, clothing and henna tattoos will be offered.  
“ASU is a very diverse university. Students walk around campus seeing different cultures and have classes with international students, but no one gets to know them unless they talk to them,” Shapp said.

Tyler Durham, sophomore international business major of Cave City said, “I think Cultural Week is a good idea. It lets people share their culture. For students who have never left Arkansas, ASU is the only place where they are exposed to different cultures.”

Mohammed Almistadi, president of the Saudi Student Club said his group plans to represent their culture at the showcase. “The club is going to be involved in the Cultural Showcase because it is a great opportunity for us to represent our culture, which is one of our goals.” The Saudi Student Club will have Arabic name writing, Saudi traditional clothing and Arabic coffee.

Almistadi thinks Cultural Week is a great event. “Every culture is unique and has its own features and attributes that have been shaped by the effects of many factors and elements. Sometimes cultures get clouded by misunderstandings and stereotypes,” Almistadi said. “This organized event by the university is an appreciated initiative that proves that ASU is a beacon of knowledge and wisdom. Also, this event aims to highlight the vast culture represented by ASU students.”

The Chinese Student Organization is planning to have traditional clothes with photo opportunities as well as display boards about Chinese festivals and Chinese decorations.

 “We want more students and faculty to learn more about our culture and promote cultural awareness around the campus,” said Shanshan Ai, president of the Chinese Student Organization. “While we bring in different perspectives to the campus, the campus becomes more accommodative to the international students. The event benefits both local and foreign students.”

Later Tuesday night, the Chinese Acrobats will provide entertainment at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall of the Student Union.

Colea Blann, president of SAB said, “Everything is free, even the admission and tattoos. It is just a fun time for students to engage in the cultures.”

Cultural Week will close with the Women’s Leadership Conference, “Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination.”  The free conference will be at noon and conclude at 5 p.m. Thursday on the third floor of the Union. The annual Women’s Leadership Conference features workshops about balancing personal and work life, branding and other great tools for success.  There will also be the Living Legend Luncheon, featuring the First Lady of Arkansas, Ginger Beebe, as the guest speaker. This year’s Living Legend Luncheon features the first lady of Arkanas, Ginger Beebe, as the guest speaker.

Candence Williams<< look up name), program coordinator of the Multicultural Center said, “This conference is for Women’s History Month, but it also ties into Cultural Week because it is targeting women of all cultures. Men can also attend.”

Blann looks forward to the upcoming event.  “I think Cultural Week will be a success and will continue to happen annually because our international population is growing and will prosper and become bigger every year,” she said.