Florala

Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: Life

Media Credit: Elaine Dearing MULTICULTURALISM - Former SGA President Winn Brewer (right) in a discussion with an internationally eclectic group of students during International Week.

The seventh annual Global Culture Night took place on April 18, at 7 p.m. in the Norton Auditorium. Over 200 students, staff, faculty and members of the community attended the event. The performances were followed by a buffet dinner showcasing world cuisine in the GUC.

Of the many events scheduled, the evening of performances included an Indian wedding, dances, international music, singers and musicians representing

the U.S., India, Japan, Nepal, Africa, China, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Dr. Santanu Borah made the welcome

speech to initiate the night's festivities.

The event began with the introduction

of the anchors Cory Hamilton and Melinda Williams, followed by lighting the ceremonial lamp by Mayor Bobby Irons and current SGA President Samuel Thigpen.

"We work together and we are unified,"

Irons said. "If UNA goes, so does the city."

An International Fashion Show representing

various countries from the world was the first item presented. Hostess Priyanka Karki described the outfits worn by student models. Suzy Robbins and Bobby Clingan from the the North Alabama Dance Club presented

a swing dance.

African dance troupe POZA portrayed

a tribal dance focusing on the folk art and culture of Africa. 91-year-old Irene Basley narrated the story and then joined the group to dance. History professor Dr. Evan Ward performed a piano recital named '"Anatolian Rhapsody."

Five Vietnamese students sang, "Welcome to Vietnam" in traditional outfits. The Student Government Association, Emilee Crosswhite, and Applause Fine Art School from Sheffield represented America.

The performances lasted almost three hours. "I thoroughly enjoyed the evening; however they could have cut down two to three songs from Nepal. The repetition took the charm away from it," said Janet Spencer, a member of the community.

Two American students along with a Japanese student sang "Sweet Home Alabama" as the final performance.

Various student organizations were recognized with awards for their hard work and inputs. The crowd cheered for each other's country. The evening continued with more songs and music accompanied by food in the GUC Atrium.

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