C of I celebrates diversity with International Week
2011. 04. 15.
The College of Idaho campus will have a dash of foreign flavor next week as the Caldwell campus celebrates International Week. C of I is home to more than 90 international students from more than 40 countries, and these students will showcase their diverse cultural backgrounds through a variety of activities starting with an International Fair at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 17, at Hayman Field. The celebration continues with daily events throughout the week, culminating with the International Food Festival on Friday night in Morrison Quadrangle.
“We're bringing the world to Caldwell,” said Arnold Hernandez, director of multi-cultural affairs at C of I. “What a great opportunity to diversify the campus from both an educational and social aspect and to share what we have here at The College of Idaho with our students and with the Caldwell community.”
Sunday's fair will include a sidewalk art contest, a soccer competition, Indonesian massages, Henna tattoos, cultural food dishes, handmade jewelry and more. The week continues with daily 7 p.m. international trivia contests on five different topics: history and politics (Monday, Strahorn Hall), math and science (Tuesday, Boone Hall), world religion (Wednesday, TBA), world art and music (Thursday, Langroise Center) and cultural diversity (Friday, Morrison Quadrangle). Simplot Dining Hall also will participate with international-themed dinners and music on Monday (Asia and Oceania), Tuesday (Europe), Wednesday (Africa) and Thursday (the Americas).
International Week concludes with the annual International Food Festival, set to begin at 5 p.m. Friday in Morrison Quadrangle. The festival will feature freshly prepared international dishes cooked by College of Idaho students, faculty and staff.
“The world is shrinking, but we still don't know enough about other countries and cultures,” said Hernandez, who has created an online recipe book to share the secret behind many popular international dishes. “Food is a great way for people to share something about who they are and where they come from. Every year, the pride of our international students really shows.”
Founded in 1891, The College of Idaho is the state's oldest private liberal arts college. It has a century-old tradition of educating some of the most accomplished graduates in Idaho, including six Rhodes Scholars, three Marshall Scholars, and another ten Truman and Goldwater Scholars. The College is located on a beautiful campus in Caldwell, Idaho. Its distinctive PEAK curriculum challenges students to attain competencies in the four knowledge peaks of the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and a professional field, enabling them to graduate with an academic major and three minors in four years. For more information on The College of Idaho, visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.