- Thanksgiving dinner celebrates diversity of campus community
Nov. 22, 2010 – The most uniquely American of traditions – Thanksgiving – brought together hundreds of Valparaiso University students, faculty and staff members to celebrate the diversity of the campus community on Nov. 18.
“It’s great just to experience how Americans celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Nelly Ewert, an exchange student from Germany. “There are a lot of opportunities here at Valpo to interact with American students and students from other countries and learn more about them.”
Ewert and other members of the Valpo community enjoyed turkey, potatoes, green beans and a wide selection of pecan, apple and pumpkin pies during the first Thank God It’s Thanksgiving Dinner, organized by students in Valpo’s Church Vocation Symposium and the ministry of the Chapel of the Resurrection.
Elliott Stephenson, a senior youth, education and family ministry major, said he and other students decided to organize the event to thank Valpo’s international students for the diversity they bring to campus.
“This meal is a great opportunity to bring people, both American and international students, together to talk and converse,” he said.
President Mark Heckler noted that for many years, Valpo’s international students have shown great leadership in hosting dinners and festivals such as events commemorating Ramadan, Diwali and the Chinese New Year’s that have helped people learn more about other countries and cultures.
“Thank you for showing that leadership and sharing your cultures,” Heckler told the international students who enjoyed the meal. “Tonight, we get to show you some of our culture. This year, the American students are throwing a party for you.”