U.N. Day celebrates diverse cultures on campus

by Matt Tholey assistant perspectives editor

For most, it was a normal day of lengthy classes.

For others, it was a day of intense exercise and cultural awareness.

Those who ventured down to the Dixon Center for a late afternoon workout ended up leaving with more than their sweaty gym shorts and smelly tennis shoes. They left with a new outlook on cultural diversity.

On Nov. 1, Cabrini College hosted its annual United Nations Day Celebration.

This year's festive cultural celebration not only featured a variety of demonstrations and activities, such as DJ Mercury Maze, who played underground, techno and electric dance, but also welcomed the Tamburitzans of Duquesne University, who performed a variety of different songs and dances reflecting Eastern Europe and surrounding cultures.

Some of the other main attractions featured at U.N. Day included "A Focus on Turkey", which displayed some customs and talked about the recent earthquake; "A Taste of Brazil," which offered samples of Brazilian coffee along with lessons in the Portuguese language; the "Art of Jig;" "Reels and Hornpipes;" "Figure Drawing," which featured many different styles of Calligraphy; and an International Prayer Service, which included a variety of prayers m many different languages and the breaking of bread.

According to International Student Adviser Jennifer MarksGold, U.N. Day was a complete success. It was a great day for people to expand their knowledge about existing cultures.

"People learned something about other countries," MarksGold said.

As far as participation in regards to cultural affairs, Marks-Gold would like to see an overall increase and enthusiasm from the student body.

"I still would like to see more student participation in this event," Marks-Gold said.

According to sophomore Melissa Shannon and junior Azeen Keramati, members of Amnesty International, everyone had a good time.

'There was a lot of involvement with the students and the surrounding community,"Keramati said.

Shannon felt that U.N. Day started out slowly, but gradually picked up as the day and night progressed.

"We had between 30 and 40 people sign up for the closing of the EL.A.," she said.

In general, both Keramati and Shannon felt that the campus community and its surrounding environment truly helped make U.N. Day a great success.

Overall, Marks-Gold felt that UN Day was a great experience.

"I truly appreciated everyone who was involved with the festivities," she said.