First Wayne College International Festival a hit
Featuring food, music and educational displays, the first University of Akron Wayne College International Festival, held Jan. 25 and 26, was “hugely popular” according to Jackie Ashbaugh, student activities coordinator for the college.
The event, which was initiated this year in an effort to help students learn more about global culture, included displays representing 10 different cultures, music from HeartBEAT Afrika and the Cleveland Chinese Music Ensemble, Zumba classes, beading instruction, name analysis and a sampling of foods from around the world.
“This was such a fun way to embrace diversity,” said Julie Yockey, student senate president. “I’m glad student government was able to help broaden student horizons.”
A major draw of the event was HeartBEAT Afrika, a drums and African music group whose lead singer plays not only drums, but buckets, based on his past experience performing with STOMP, which is a percussion group that used the body and ordinary objects to create a physical theatre performance. Audience participation was encouraged at the event and one student who was coaxed onto the stage, Jackie Ashbaugh, said playing the congas was “a thrill.”
One prominent display was the North America Continent table hosted by the Wayne College Global Green Club. The display focused on Native Americans as the first environmentalists. Carol Pleuss, the club’s coordinator, stated that, “the definition of an environmentalist is someone dedicated to the preservation of the natural environment. The Native Americans epitomized that dedication and we can certainly learn from their respect for all living things.”
According to Regina Schwartz, community relations manager for the college, the event was so well received it might be expanded into a public event next year. “I think there’s an opportunity for a successful ethnic event in the city of Orrville,” Schwartz said, adding, “There’s more diversity here at the college than people might realize.”
The event, which was initiated this year in an effort to help students learn more about global culture, included displays representing 10 different cultures, music from HeartBEAT Afrika and the Cleveland Chinese Music Ensemble, Zumba classes, beading instruction, name analysis and a sampling of foods from around the world.
“This was such a fun way to embrace diversity,” said Julie Yockey, student senate president. “I’m glad student government was able to help broaden student horizons.”
A major draw of the event was HeartBEAT Afrika, a drums and African music group whose lead singer plays not only drums, but buckets, based on his past experience performing with STOMP, which is a percussion group that used the body and ordinary objects to create a physical theatre performance. Audience participation was encouraged at the event and one student who was coaxed onto the stage, Jackie Ashbaugh, said playing the congas was “a thrill.”
One prominent display was the North America Continent table hosted by the Wayne College Global Green Club. The display focused on Native Americans as the first environmentalists. Carol Pleuss, the club’s coordinator, stated that, “the definition of an environmentalist is someone dedicated to the preservation of the natural environment. The Native Americans epitomized that dedication and we can certainly learn from their respect for all living things.”
According to Regina Schwartz, community relations manager for the college, the event was so well received it might be expanded into a public event next year. “I think there’s an opportunity for a successful ethnic event in the city of Orrville,” Schwartz said, adding, “There’s more diversity here at the college than people might realize.”
Published: January 31, 2012
