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International banquet, Chinese
New Year packs the TSC like never before
SOUNDS OF THE
WORLD: Music entertains the guests at the banquet.
/ Photo by Stevie Stewart
By Stevie Stewart
March 25, 2007 | A mixture of ethnic foods filled
the Taggart Student Center with a warm, sweet aroma
Saturday night at the Annual International Banquet and
Chinese New Year Celebration.
The International Student Council and Chinese Students
and Scholars Association held this year's banquet
and Chinese New Year Celebrations together for the time.
International Student Council President Amrith Gardihewa,
a student from India, said the events were merged to
save both organizations money.
"Obviously it was a good idea," Gardihewa said
during the event. "The ballroom is packed."
According to Gardihewa, nearly 400 people were served
food from the diverse buffet that was prepared by USU
Food Services. The buffet served dishes from eight regions
of the world.
"We are so impressed. The food is so good and does
our countries such justice, it's very authentic,"
said Gardihewa.
Many of those attending the banquet were from throughout
Cache Valley's international communities. Those old
and young, students and simply residents, came for the
food and some just for the entertainment. From dancing
and singing to a very diverse and extravagant fashion
show, entrants came in groves to enjoy the festivities.
The robes, kimonos, headwear, jewelry and makeup gave
students from abroad as well as from the United States
a chance to celebrate and appreciate the traditional
attire of other nations.
Hillary Kubota, a 9-year-old Logan resident, attended
the celebration with her mother, Kim. Hillary said the
beautiful silk robe she wore was a gift from her grandmother
in Japan. Kim said this is an opportunity for her daughter
to learn and appreciate her culture.
"I am not a student. I just work in Logan," said
Kim. "I jump at the chance to show my daughter where
we come from because there are not many chances here
for her to see."
This was the 16th year that the International Banquet
has been held. Sunil Indluru, a student from India said
this year's banquet was the largest he has seen in
his five years at USU.
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