What’s the most popular Common Time even on campus?  What draws a crowd of 400 students, faculty, and staff?  What brings together people of different cultures together? Answer: the Cultural Fiesta. 

The event took place last Wednesday, Nov. 2, during Loras College’s scheduled common time.  This event was put on by Loras Intercultural Student Association (LISA) in the ACC Ballroom.  Through the songs, dances, and poems showcased, students who participated in the acts were able to give their peers, the audience, a chance to get a glimpse at other cultural traditions from countries like Nepal, Mexico, Ireland, Botswana, Kenya, and Burma.

Opening the show was the Loras College Chamber Choir with a rendition of “We are the World.” Other acts included a group of Irish dancers, powerful spoken words about home, as well as dances from Nepal, such as “Tiharai Aayo,” that celebrate a feast day of the Nepalese goddess of wealth.  As each act was introduced, the audience was presented the names of the students participating, the country they represented, as well as a little background information of the history and significance of the performance.

Even though the Cultural Fiesta drew a large crowd , it wasn’t always that way.  According to LISA President and junior Sergio Perez, the Cultural Fiesta started extremely small and quickly grew in size and popularity, “This year, we had a total of 37 performers, and for the first time ever, there was a wait-list.”

This year, though, was going to be a test.  Alejandro Pino, the former director if the Intercultural Programs Office, who had been a part of the planning of the event bade farewell to the college a few days before the event. During the closing steps of planning and with the performance itself, Perez said, “It was a test to see if we could continue this event since we lost an individual who helped come up with the event. It was a bummer that he [Pino] couldn’t see the fruits of his labors.”

How has LISA been able to maintain their spot as one of the most popular common times at Loras?  Perez said of the large turnout, “There were around 400 students who attended.  I was shocked to see upperclassman.”  The show must be good if it continues to bring back every fall semester.

Perez stated the reason for the success of the event is “passion breeds followers.”  The students who showcase their cultures through dance, song, and written word, have, according to Perez, been practicing since the end of summer and throughout the semester.  When a show is as well put on as the Cultural Fiesta, it will continue to bring people back for more every year.

One such dedicated performer, Surya Pandey, has been performing Nepali dances since his days as a kindergartner.  A senior student from Nepal, Pandey is a member of LISA who has participated in the Cultural Fiesta throughout his four years at Loras as a LISA member, performer and as the LISA president.

Pandey performed a Nepali folk dance with five other students all who wore traditional clothing: the men wore daura surwal and patuka, and the woman, kurta surwal and a shawl.

Pandey said of the performance, “The song [danced to] comes from a Nepali movie.  Nepali movies usually include intermittent dancing and singing within the plot.”

When asked about the importance of keeping family, cultural, and religious traditions alive, especially when away from home, Pandey stated, “Those are part of one’s identity. They may not hold the same significance and meaning today that they did in the past but by keeping them alive we are keeping our history alive. We are also preserving the unique cultures of humanity.”

Through this event, students are obviously exposed to cultures different from their own. It is an important common time to participate in, because, according to Sergio Perez, “They [Loras students] are being exposed to different cultures that aren’t necessarily well represented.  This exposure to different cultures “makes more responsible and receptive individuals.”

Pandey also reiterated the importance of the event in the Loras community by stating, “Events like these create an awareness of the uniqueness of humanity and differences within it as well. In that regard, such events help people from all over the world to understand each other better and enjoy the beauty of humankind. Rarely do we get to see the presentation of cultures from around the world in the same venue.”

If you happened to miss the Cultural Fiesta, don’t hesitate to attend next year!  If you did attend this year’s Cultural Fiesta, I hope it has sparked in you the desire to explore other cultures and to not be afraid to ask questions.  Remember, “We are the World!” It’s up to us to share cultures and explore cultures, and create a world with a little more love and understanding.

If there is one and only one idea that I would hope everyone, but especially the first-years, to take away from last week’s Cultural Fiesta, it is this: the value of listening.

We take so much of our life here at Loras for granted: our professors, classes, and peers. Every day I see someone shutting themselves off from others. The routine is all too common nowadays — stick in ear buds and turn the volume up or sit at a table with eyes glued to the phone as your fingers skitter across the small keypad in a frenzy. We text while traversing the stairs to the ACC, to Hoffman, almost everywhere including classrooms, and fill our ears with all that we want to hear.

It’s so easy to see the variety of beliefs, values, and customs during the Fiesta, and it’s even easier to accept them when presented in such an appealing and non-confrontational form. After all, the Fiesta is annual, highly advertised, and mostly features students not from America. We don’t even need to talk to the performers directly to receive the benefits of their cultural and intellectual differences. This isn’t a critique of the Fiesta, but rather a critique of our way of living. If each day, we could listen (not argue or debate) and live in the present (not think about what we are going to say or what we want to say while the other person is talking), we might be more aware and accepting of our own diversity.

We all have two ears, two opportunities to absorb the words and voices of others, not just from America, but many other different places. We all possess the ability to open and block our ears—to hear not just our own babble and complaints, but to hear various thoughts and ideas.  We don’t need to study abroad in order to experience diversity or learn. While amazingly talented students from Burma, Botswana, Colombia, and Nepal (to name only a few) performed and shared their cultures at the Fiesta, diversity and difference bloom at Loras. The opportunity to learn presents itself each and every day right here.

Listen, listen, listen. Listen to the silence, listen to the loudness, and listen to someone you’ve never heard before. Give others a chance to speak, to tell their story. Not all of us come from Iowa, not all of us are Catholic, and not all of us have the same skin tone, yet we are all here at Loras.

Khalil Gibran once said, “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” Alejandro Pino, the former director of the Intercultural Programs Office at Loras College, is known as a truly giving person to anyone who has worked closely with him. After serving for more than 10 years in different positions at Loras, Alejandro bade farewell to this community as he turns a new chapter in his life. His official service to Loras ended on Oct. 17th this year, but he leaves a lasting impression on students and colleagues he worked with.

Alejandro Pino (’99) began his career at Loras shortly after his graduation, serving as an Admissions Counselor/International Recruiter. He also served as the head coach of varsity tennis during that time. In 2006, he was appointed to the Director of Intercultural Programs. While in this position, Alejandro expanded the multicultural experience of the Loras community through various programs and events. The intercultural Programs play a big role in providing support for the students of different cultural backgrounds, especially the international students. In that regard, Alejandro served as a guardian to these students helping them through their transitions and every aspect of college experience. Students commend him of the huge impact he has made in their college career. Reflecting on her experience with Alejandro, Maria Jimena Gonzalez (’09), from Colombia said, “Alejandro provided unconditional support and guidance during my four years at Loras. His lessons contributed to my personal growth and certainly helped shape who I am today.” On a similar note senior Nang T. Khai from Burma said, “quite frankly, my years at Loras would have been very difficult and perhaps impossible without his friendship, help and guidance.”

Alejandro also served as the advisor for the Loras Intercultural Student Association (LISA). Under his guidance LISA flourished as an organization promoting the cultural diversity at Loras and the surrounding community. Sergio Perez, a junior and current president of LISA said, “Working with Alejandro was like working with a family member. He was always able to straighten me out and guide me to the right direction.” Junior Meghan Delaney reflected, “Alejandro was a great mentor for me and I am sad to see him go.”

Besides the close relationships with the students, Alejandro is admired by his colleagues for his character. Cindy Behnke, the office coordinator for intercultural programs said, “Alejandro was a true mentor, co-worker, and friend.” She added, “he had a unique sense of humor, and he always had a warm smile on his face for anyone who entered the Intercultural Office.” Art Sunleaf, the Dean of Students at Loras admired Alejandro as “a good colleague and a friend.” He further added, “While serving as the director of Intercultural Programs he put the student experience first.  Additionally he looked for ways to broaden our students’ experience along with that of the community.”

Alejandro expanded his advocacy of diversity and multicultural experience at Loras as he served on the Catholic Identity and Diversity committees and initiated the civil discourse initiative known as “DuTalk.” Dr. Kristen Anderson-Bricker, professor of history, who worked with Alejandro in teams in many initiatives at Loras commented, “I will miss his creativity, wisdom, accessibility, sage advice, work ethic and friendship.”

Alejandro’s service to the Dubuque community accentuates his passion for civic associations. He established an educational outreach opportunity with the Dubuque Community Schools, the Multicultural Family Center, and area businesses to broaden the scope of International and Multicultural issues in the Dubuque area. Recently, he was also appointed by the Governor to the Latino Affairs Commission.

Alejandro lives with his wife and two young children in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It had been quite difficult for him to balance the demands of the young growing family with not only work but a lengthy commute. For that reason, Alejandro had to terminate his service to Loras College. He continues to serve others at Premiere Staffing in the Cedar Rapids area. Alejandro has left a permanent impression of goodness at Loras. As Meghan Delaney points out, “he will be greatly missed, but I know that he will continue to be there for me and the other students even while not physically here at Loras.”

 

Alejandro Pino’s farewell

“As I reflect back at my Loras College experience, I take with me some life altering lessons and powerful experiences. I worked alongside some amazing people that have chosen to work at Loras for the student and only the student…this is very humbling. I have met students from all backgrounds that have brought with them extraordinary stories and life experiences…some that affected the way I view the world. Needless to say, my Loras College experience will not be forgotten today and always. Our students are some of the best this world has to offer and the world will be a better place when they graduate from Loras. I thank you for choosing to attend Loras and challenge you to remain committed to impacting this world in a positive way.You are all terribly missed and appreciated.”

How do Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists not only get along, but also make a difference? Interfaith.

First-year students read Eboo Patel’s “Acts of Faith,” a story about Patel’s journey of faith and identity. Patel currently serves on President Barack Obama’s “Advisory Council of the White House Office of Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnership.” He also started Interfaith Youth Core (IFC)- a program designed to encourage the youth of different faiths to come together for dialogue and service. 

Last year, senior Maggie Writt attended a conference with Dr. Patel and suggested that Acts of Faith become the common reading for the class of 2015.  Conveniently enough, Dr. Lisa Grinde, professor of psychology at Loras and also the director of MOI, and the rest of the first-year experience committee were evaluating the first year reading assignment. Normally, the students read the books over the summer, but that did not leave enough time for discussion. The committee liked the topic. Grinde said that it was the topic of interfaith, but also the identity and value aspects of the book that led them to choose it.

“If you have students discuss interfaith early, it can help them deal with more challenging discussions,” she said.

The importance of interfaith, in part, flows from Loras’ Catholic identity and diversity statements. According to Fr. Douglas Wathier, the Catholic identity statement was shaped by Pope John Paul II’s call in his document, Ex Corde Ecclesiae, for Catholic schools to have a Catholic identity statement. On the other hand, the new diversity statement flowed from the Catholic Identity statement. Grinde said, “It was formed from a lot of students and faculty.” Thus, interfaith becomes a way for the school to express its Catholic, diverse background.

The students and faculty have generally shown interest in the subject of interfaith. Grinde said, “It has been supported and facilitated by people already doing things related to Acts of Faith.”  Similarly, first-year Nathan Kapraun said that interfaith is “an issue that needs to be addressed-especially in today’s pluralist society.” There has been some controversy, though. Grinde commented that the committee was concerned with parents, students, and the Loras community’s response to interfaith.

“I think on any campus there will be people who ask, ‘Why would we open the door to other religions?’” But she said, “I haven’t had too much negative feedback.”

She also said that the first-year committee is in the process of gathering data to “assess what the students think of how we did.” First-year Emma Smith said that the book clubs that each first-year participated in, “gave multiple opportunities for students to share their views while listening to the thoughts and views of others about the book.” The book clubs were led by MOI teaching staff including the peer assistants (PA). The first-year students were randomly chosen to discuss the book and topics relating to identity, faith and interfaith.

To encourage this interfaith dialogue further, Loras is proud to have invited Patel to speak to the college community on Oct. 5 and also to facilitate small group interfaith training and discussion.

Interfaith not only provides Loras students an avenue for people of different religions to find a common ground, but it also helps to form well-rounded, liberally educated people- people who think critically and from many angles.

Students, alums and local community members gathered Sunday to enjoy meals from around the world that was prepared by the members of LISA (Loras International Student Association).

“This was an opportunity for people to get to know each other,” said LISA president Sergio Perez. “Sharing a meal between different cultures builds relationships between people of different backgrounds. LISA strives to provide opportunities for people to share intercultural experiences.”

With more than 30 dishes representing foods from 10 countries, those at the International Dinner enjoyed dishes such as pollo saltado from Peru, chicken curry from Nepal and sushi from Japan.

The guests were impressed by the quality and variety of the dishes. Ali Said, Arabic-studies professor, said the dinner was “wonderful — bringing people together over food.”

“The food is great, (and) speaks volumes on Loras’ effort to integrate their students,” added Hakeem Mahdi, a teacher and a representative for the Islamic Center.

The students who made the food had “a great opportunity to share their culture with others,” said sophomore Alejandro Cosmopolis, who made the popular pollo saltado.

This year’s dinner introduced an element of competition. Students said they had fun decorating and cooking with the help of Aramark, and, in some of the cases, even relatives.

“It’s terrific to see how (the dinner) has grown,” said Dr. John Eby, associate professor of history and director of the honors program. “I’m always impressed by the time students invest into it. This expresses Loras’ ethnic hospitality.”

The International Dinner kicked off Loras’ first official International Week, which celebrates the college’s increasingly diverse student population.

Something else became apparent. Boy, there are some good cooks running around campus.

A variety of dishes from countries around the world were the main attraction. Some of the delicacies included German hot dogs and sauerkraut, Mexican beans, virgin piña coladas, frijoles rancheros (a soup with pinto beans and bacon) and chocolate a la taza (melted chocolate by the spoonful).

The International Dinner was well-received by domestic and international students alike. Sophomore Michelle Dutton, a member of the Loras Intercultural Student Association, or L.I.S.A., which is organizing this week’s festivities,  thought the dinner was excellent.

“My favorite part of the International Dinner was the food,” she said. “Even though one of my friends and I gave up desserts for Lent, we both decided to make an exception today to try the desserts here, because our friends had worked hard to prepare it for us.” 

Dutton said most of the foreign students said the food reminded them of home.

“One international student said the food reminded him of his mom’s cooking,” she said.  “I was happy that the event could make people feel a little closer to their home countries.”

First-year Luis Santoyo echoed Dutton’s words, but took them one step further. “It is a time for people to express where they come from and show who they are by representing their home,” he said.

On Tuesday, the weeklong festivities continued, as L.I.S.A. offered “Culture Captured on Camera,” a showcase of student photography with a cultural theme.

On Wednesday, L.I.S.A. put culture on the big screen with a showing of “America History X,” a movie that highlights the neo-Nazi culture starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong.

Today outside the Café, students will be asked to offer their input on the “fate” of the world. Students will be asked: “In 2020, the world will be …?”

Friday,  L.I.S.A. will wrap up the week with canvas painting, where students can depict how they envision a “culture”
in visual form.

While this week was filled with activities and a feast, there is a deeper meaning as well. Sophomore Maria Tovar-Baraya, who serves as the secretary for L.I.S.A., explained it well.

“I personally want to show with the week how all our differences complement each other and make us able to have an incredibly diverse campus,” she said.

She went on to explain how International Week is a great way to discover how diversity gives way to a communal atmosphere, and that, when you look at it, we really aren’t all that different from each other.

 

 

This past Saturday, the Five Flags Center in downtown Dubuque was decorated with some flags never seen from all across the globe. People from all the continents, residing in Dubuque, gathered together to share their culture with the Dubuque community through food, musical performances and colorful fancy attires.

Taste of the World, as the event was called, was sponsored by Dubuque Multicultural Family Center, city of Dubuque and the Dubuque Community School District, and hosted 24 countries this year. The event started with a fashion show where children and adult walked on the stage with dresses of the nations that were represented at the event. As people lined up to sample the food and observe the booth, the venue got vibrant. In the background, performances continued on stage. The throng of people from all age groups and different cultural backgrounds created a beautiful vista. Kaytlin and Lauren, 4^th graders and residents of Dubuque commented that the food was awesome and the event was really fun.

 

 

Phyllis Koschmeder, from  Dyersville said, “I am glad they are having this, it is a great way to learn about other cultures.” Among the hundreds of people from Dubuque and surrounding community that attended the event, was Dubuque Mayor Roy Buol. Commenting about the event, Buol said, “This shows a lot of interest in the community and the richness of Dubuque. It is good to see different cultures socializing at the same time and place.”

Loras students from Nepal and Colombia represented their countries in the event with traditional food and information about their nations. Jamaica was also represented by Loras students and staff. Luisa Jimenez, a junior from Colombia at Loras said, “It is a great opportunity for people to travel around the world, and experience tasty cuisine in every step.”

One could see a beautiful sharing of cultures. During one of the performances, a group of children from Dubuque and India danced on a Nepali song track. In yet another performance, a group of Indian boys danced on the “Slumdog Millionaire” soundtrack.

Maddy Cross, assistant director at the multicultural family center shared that it took five months of preparation for the event and volunteers helped to make it smooth. Asked what her best part of the event was, Cross said, “To see everyone come together; this really gives insight into the cultures of Dubuque.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belmont House is an “oasis away from campus for cultural emergence,” according to Mishereen Ellis, Intercultural Project Coordinator.

Flattering, yet true. Belmont House is what you are looking for if you love learning about new cultures, are desperate for diversity and wish to spice up your college life with the taste of multicultural experience.

So here is your chance. The Intercultural Programs Office is looking for four students (two girls and two boys) for the year 2011-2012. Application forms are due March 15 and they are available at the office on the fifth Floor ACC (phone 563-588-7205).

Here is some information:

Prerequisites – 2.75 cumulative GPA, 2 semesters of living experience in a Loras residence facility, 27 college credit hours and of course, must be a Duhawk.

Benefits – Apart from the atmosphere of diversity, the experience of living at Belmont House will broaden your perspectives, discipline your management and organizational skills, enhance your diplomacy and strengthen your sense of community. It is a house that belongs to the community, yet it is a private space for the residents separated from those living in traditional residence halls. But the independence and responsibility of living there is an invaluable advantage as one prepares for the future.

Planning and organizing programs during the academic year in partnership with the Intercultural Office is the core responsibility as the residents of Belmont House. It should also be noted that it is open to any ideas or programs initiated by anyone on campus. Movie night, Halloween party, Christmas party, Cinco de Mayo, Dashain — you name it, you got it.

To put in one word, it is “multicultural.” So don’t miss the chance, and as Alejandro Pino, Director of Intercultural Programs, says, it is “open for everyone!” Apply today.

 

Last Wednesday’s Common Time was a party, literally.

This year’s Cultural Fiesta was held in the ACC Ballrooms during Common Time to celebrate the diverse atmosphere of Loras and showcase the different cultures that Loras embraces. The event was an opportunity for both international and domestic students, faculty and staff to perform or present something that reveals the beauty of their culture.

The Cultural Fiesta has been put on for the past three years by the Loras Intercultural Students Association (L.I.S.A.) as both its annual event and Common Time event. “The event allowed L.I.S.A. to reach more students and staff,” said Alejandro Pino, director of intercultural affairs according.

This year’s Cultural Fiesta was facilitated by sophomore Jeilah Kanake, originally from Kenya and senior Christian Helmholz from Germany. They contributed humor and insight to keep the event running smoothly. They also continually reinforced this year’s theme of “Feel the Rhythm of Unity.” LISA is open to people from all cultural backgrounds, and one does not have to be from outside of the United States to be able to be it’s member or perform in this event.

The theme “Feel the Rhythm of Unity” perfectly described the event as it centered its perfomances on music and dances. All of the performers busted a move in traditional cultural dances or created the beautiful music themselves using either instruments or their voices.

John Eby, professor of history, performed an instrumental duet with his daughter Amanda. A group of domestic students including  Colleen Ondracek, Natalie Tuttle and Meghan Smith, embraced the idea of cross-cultural unity when they danced a Nepali dance, led by Priyanka Parajuli, a senior from Nepal. All of them serve in the residence life as RAs. Sophomore Roshan Karki and first year Sajjan K.C. sang a Nepali song. Luisa Jimenez, a junior from Colombia danced to an Arabic music. A group of American girls led by sophomore Meghan Delany (also the LISA advertising chair) performed some fancy footwork in their Irish dance.

Sophomore Sergio Perez and junior Sandra Anaya looked entrancing as they danced a traditional Spanish dance called “Llora Mi Soprano.” When asked about the Cultural Fiesta as a whole, Perez said, “It definitely shows that while Loras isn’t necessarily the most diverse college in the world, it definitely has an interest in other cultures and welcomes that with warm, open arms! The Cultural Fiesta definitely reaffirms why I decided to come to Loras.” He added that the positive reaction of the audience about his performance has “inspired” him and that he is really looking forward to singing in the event next year. First-year Luis Acosta sang a Spanish love song with Luisa Jimenez. After the performance he said, “It was amazing. The audience was amazing. I can’t wait to do it again next year.”

First-year Ryenn Peterson was an audience member and was also enthusiastic about the Cultural Fiesta. She said that she loved all of the different dances that were performed.  A dancer herself, she thought it was interesting to watch the dances from other cultures. One intriguing performance was put together by a large group students from Nepal who performed a dance that emphasized the essential unity of all people. Girls in different traditional attire danced individual Nepali dances, but eventually all the different groups came together on stage and danced the same dance together.

Sophomore Maria Tovar-Baraya, also the secretary for L.I.S.A., thought the Cultural Fiesta was a huge success. She said, “It is one of my favorite Common Time events because in you don’t go to the event to hear someone talk about something, rather you go and learn about the different cultures we have in the Loras community and our diversity through songs and dances and you can even get involved with the event.”