We are…Multicultural. We are Alcorn.
Lorman, Miss. (April 17, 2014) – A wise man once said about the people of the world, “Diversity is one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.” Following this advice, the Alcorn family embraces multiculturalism and diversity by welcoming students, faculty and staff from all over the world, hosting distinguished international speakers and holding numerous inclusion events celebrating people of different backgrounds.
Fast approaching is one of the major events celebrating diversity and multiculturalism, the Alcorn State University Multicultural Festival that will be held Tuesday, April 22, 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom. Every year since 2005, the Festival showcases how diverse Alcorn really is and brings the University and community together for a fun and educational day. The Festival is a part of Unity Through Diversity Week held April 20-25, 2014.
“The Festival celebrates the many countries and cultures represented at Alcorn and its surrounding communities,” stated Dr. Dovi Alipoe, director of Global Programs and Festival committee member. “This year, one of the program’s highlights will be a key performance by Qurrat Kadwani (bio), a talented actress and TV host best known for her show ‘They Call Me Q!’ that received numerous accolades.” He added, “We are also having His Excellency Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, Ambassador to the United States from Liberia as an invited guest.”
The International and Multicultural Student Organization (IMSO) President Tony Innouvong, graduating MBA student, whose family is originally from Laos, shared how excited and creative the organization’s members were preparing for the big event. “Our students are so proud of their backgrounds and love sharing their story with the University and community.”
The Festival’s theme this year is “Many Cultures, One Journey” and reflecting the theme, the program will begin with a grand flag parade in which Alcorn’s multicultural students and employees march boasting the flags of their respective countries. The event will also include international songs and dances, flamboyant fashion show, colorful displays and artifacts from many countries around the globe, and the crowd’s favorite international cuisine sampling and prizes.
“We are putting together a cultural fashion show that will represent some of the nations from around the world. We hope that the audience finds it entertaining and educational,” stated India native Rani Panicker, a data analyst for Extension in the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences, a member of the Festival’s planning committee.
Beunkka Davis, a junior majoring in mass communications shared, “My friends and I attended the Festival last year and we enjoyed it so much. My favorite part was talking to international students who presented their displays.” The university community and the general public are cordially invited to this educational and fun event spearheaded by the Office of Global Programs, IMSO and the University Multicultural Festival Committee.
For more information, call Global Programs office at 601.877.6533 or email [email protected] .
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Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships that benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation, and world.
