By Satyne Doner, Co-Editor-in-Chief
While International Students’ Day is observed every year on Nov. 17, Saint Leo University held its 23rd annual International Food Night on Wednesday, Nov.15, in partnership with the Intercultural Student Association (ISA).
Flags from countries such as Greece, Korea, the Bahamas, and Ethiopia flew high above the SAB (Student Activities Building) Loggia, inviting students, staff, and faculty alike to take their tastebuds on a trip around the world. Each country presented steaming-hot trays of traditional food, desserts, and drinks.
School mascot Fritz even stopped by, greeting attendees as they purchased their five-dollar meal tickets, advertised as “less than the price of a plane ticket,” according to the event’s listing on EngageLeo.
Emily Vandercar, a first-year criminal justice student, filed into the line of students waiting to receive a plate. She stood with her friends, who were excited about one dish: Korean corn dogs.
“The Korean corn dogs brought me out tonight, for sure,” she said. “[the event]seems like fun. If the food’s good, I’m coming back next year.”
Vandercar’s friend Ali Hernandez stood beside her and agreed: “I’m looking forward to the Korean corn dogs,” the first-year criminal justice student said. “I want to try the food here, and I would definitely come again.”
The event is centered around International Students’ Day and Thanksgiving to foster a feeling of togetherness and appreciation in the Saint Leo community.
According to the Center for Global Engagement Office (CGE), more than 22 percent of Saint Leo students are internationally based.
Paige Ramsey-Hamacher, executive director of the CGE, has been a member of the Saint Leo community for 27 years. She has had a hand in hosting the International Food Night since its inception 23 years ago.
“This is a great way for people to come out and learn about different cultures through food, drink, and performances,” Ramsey-Hamacher said. “Eating is always a good thing to do, right?”
Traditional dancers held traditional performances as the night wore on, and attendees enjoyed dinner and a show. They ate, drank, and danced to the music’s rhythm blaring through the loudspeakers outside the Student Activities Building.
The International Food Night was a fantastic way to bring the incredibly diverse Saint Leo community together and inspire participants to travel more, respect others’ cultures, and eat their hearts out!
