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International Night to celebrate 42 years of 'Unity Through Diversity'

By Margaret Wade '08
March 4, 2008

The International Students Organization will host the 42nd International Night on Saturday, March 8 to celebrate dance, music and art from around the world.

Performances will begin in the Pause at 7 p.m., followed by a reception with home-cooked food in Stav Dining Hall at 9 p.m. Tickets are required for both events and can be obtained in front of Stav Hall and the Cage. Performance tickets are free and food reception tickets are $3 for St. Olaf students and $5 for all others.

This year's theme for International Night is "Global Market: Unity Through Diversity." Co-chairs Ladeisha Bhide '09 and Cheryl Philip '10 were inspired by the academic year theme of Global Citizenship and by the Virginia Satir quote "In our differences we grow, in our sameness we connect."

"I really wanted something that reflected upon the idea that though we may be different, that's exactly how we grow and learn in life," Bhide says. "Classes will only teach you so much, but once you become a 'global citizen' ... that's when real and positive change can be made in this world."

Three acts were chosen from the preliminary fall auditions, and 11 were selected from the spring auditions. "I'm amazed as cultures I didn't know were represented on campus suddenly blossom before my eyes in song and dance on the stage," Bhide says.

International Students Organization (ISO) organizes the annual celebration in order to increase global awareness on campus.

"I'm truly in awe and amazed by the dedication of all the students -- not just the members of ISO -- that come together to organize, perform, cook and put together such a fantastic night," says Luyen Phan, director of admissions and international student adviser. "I do wish sometimes that I had 10 percent of the talents that the students have."

For more information contact one of this year's co-chairs, Ladeisha Bhide, bhide@stolaf.edu, or Cheryl Philip, philip@stolaf.edu.

Contact Kari VanDerVeen at 507-786-3970 or vanderve@stolaf.edu.