Some University students got their Thanksgiving grub on early this year when they gathered at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church for the second annual Dinner Around the World on Friday.
International and foreign language students and faculty brought dishes from their native countries to share at the potluck dinner sponsored by the German Club and the Latin honor society, Eta Sigma Phi.
Andrea Hulse, German Club adviser, said she decided to start Dinner Around the World to give foreign language students and faculty as well as international students and faculty a chance to get together.
“When do we have the opportunity to get them together otherwise?” Hulse said. “It’s a great way to learn about other cultures through food and conversation.”
She said it is similar to a Thanksgiving feast, just without the traditional American dishes.
Hulse said she scheduled it a week before Thanksgiving so students who are able to go home for the holiday still could enjoy the meal and learn about other cultures.
“This gives students from other countries a chance to meet people learning their language,” Hulse said.
Attendees were encouraged to dress in costumes to represent their native country.
P.J. Oubre, a history and Latin senior and member of Eta Sigma Phi, dressed as Julius Caesar to represent the Romans.
Oubre said Eta Sigma Phi prepared traditional Roman dishes for the feast.
“This is a great way to promote intermingling of cultures,” Oubre said.
Antonio Baena, a Spanish professor from Spain, said the idea of Dinner Around the World is wonderful because it is a good way to learn from other people.
“It’s a great way to practice the language and eat a lot of good food,” Baena said.
Rebecca Budd, a biological sciences senior, said the dinner was a great way to bring the diverse cultures of the University together.
Lina Sengupta, a native of India, came with her husband to the dinner.
“This was a great idea because it gave me a chance to learn about other cultures,” Sengupta said. “I hardly know anything about other cultures and I don’t really get to meet people from other countries.”