For more than 30 years, one of the most anticipated events on campus has been the Walsh International Dinner. This year, more than 350 people came together for a night of food and fellowship to celebrate the heritage of Walsh’s international community on Saturday, March 17, in the Cecchini Center.
Organized by the Office of International Student Services and The World Student Organization, the event featured a buffet style dinner prepared by Walsh international students and served alongside meals donated by Sodexo.
Entertainment included an international fashion show, Walsh Choir performance, African Dance by Kent State University’s Barefeet Dance Tribe, cultural dances and music provided by Walsh students and guests.
"Our International Dinner is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and provides a special opportunity for international students to share their heritage through food and entertainment," said Kristi Campbell, Director of International Student Services. "Each year the attendance grows, which speaks to the high level of support our students receive on campus. They really put their heart and soul into creating an event that is full of energy and personally celebrates the unique aspects of their individual cultures. The entire night is an expression of who they are as a community."
The fashion show highlighted traditional clothing modeled by Walsh’s international students from Vietnam, Nepal, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and India. Performances showcased the talent and diverse culture of Walsh’s students including a Traditional Sleeves Dance from China, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Anthem, Traditional Nepali Folk Dance, and the Traditional Dance of Gulu, Uganda. Vocal performances included "Caraluna" by Melisa Valle (Nicaragua) and Jon Paul Della Dia (Canada), and "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman by Aaliya Kinnard (United States).
Each year, the buffet-style dinner is prepared by Walsh’s international students as the main event for the evening. Students from 35 countries, including India, Canada, Spain, Tanzania, Brazil, Bolivia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia and the UK, attend Walsh University.
This event is sponsored by Walsh’s World Student Organization, formerly the International Club. The student-led club officially changed its name in fall 2015 to promote global diversity and inclusion on campus. The name change reflects the club’s mission to be more recognizable to non-international students and more inviting to the entire campus.