Culture Fest invites campus community to celebrate its people
KOKOMO, Ind. — The sweet scent of coconut soup and the sounds of percussion filled the air in Indiana University Kokomo’s Alumni Hall Tuesday (April 14), as students, faculty, and staff celebrated Culture Fest.
The event invites all to experience a day centered on culture, community, and connection. Hosted by the Multicultural Center and the International Student Organization, it offered tastes of international food and candy, informational posters, and the chance to meet and talk to people from a variety of backgrounds.
The idea is that there is a place for everyone to belong at IU Kokomo, according to Rosie Wood, graduate assistant for the Multicultural Center.
“Culture Fest is a great time for our community to come together, support one another, and find unity in the campus community we have,” she said, adding that all student organizations that are part of the center were invited to have a booth, with students representing Latinos Unidos, Spectrum, and the Asian Student Association. Staff members Tina Robinson and Angela Davis hosted a booth about African American culture, with information about inventors, Juneteenth, and traditional clothing and artifacts. The Library, Counseling and Psychological Services, Cougar Activities Board, and Accessible Educational Services also participated.
Visitors were encouraged to sample from a buffet of international foods, such as malva pudding representing South Africa, vegetable and tuna kimbap from Korea, mini sopes with cheese and beans to represent Mexico, boneless fried chicken for soul food, and Thai cuisine including sweet sticky rice with mango and tom kha kai, or coconut chicken soup.
International student Chacha Santipanarux shared her family’s recipe for the tom kha kai from her home country.
A nursing student, she first came to the Kokomo area as an exchange student.
“After I graduated, it was a good opportunity to come to IU Kokomo to earn my nursing degree,” she said. She was happy to share information, along with candy, note pads, and plushies she brought with her to give away.
Tony Li, representing the Asian Student Association, said he was born in China but grew up all over the United States, with stints in Alaska and Missouri before moving to Indiana. His booth included an informational poster about China, along with Chinese snacks and toys, such as tiny pandas.
Heather Semple, president of the International Student Organization, said other students are often surprised by how many international students, or students who have lived in other countries, are on campus. She grew up in Guyana, a country in South America, but moved to Lafayette 10 years ago. She answered questions and handed out packaged snacks from many countries.
“We have a little of everything to showcase our international culture,” she said. “I hope students who attend learn there are so many cultures on campus, and that we want to showcase our cultures and invite others to join us in those cultures."
All IU events, programs, groups, activities, educational, cultural, and historical observances are open to all members of the IU community.
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.
