Villanova students and guests of all groups gathered in Cafe Nova last Thursday, March 12, for a special event organized by the Villanova International Students Organization (VISO). The event, UNITY: A Journey Across Cultures, is the biggest annual celebration of the different multicultural groups on Villanova’s campus. VISO worked with the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Chinese Students Association (CSA), South Asian Multicultural Organized Student Association (SAMOSA) and the ABLAZE dance team to host an event that students would love.
VISO itself is a student-run group that aims to build relationships throughout the international student body. It helps international students transition to a new culture. Events are held throughout the school year to demonstrate the magnificence of these cultures to the whole campus, and all students are always invited to attend.
“UNITY is one of the biggest events thrown once a year by VISO,” senior and VISO president Maria Quintero said. “It’s a progress relation that we’re trying to celebrate different cultures that we have represented here at Villanova and just have a sense of community and connection between students.”
Food is often the first insight into another culture that people take, and the groups involved did not disappoint for UNITY. Options included several kinds of dumplings, samosas, Jamaican patties, roasted vegetables and a custom taco station with chips and guacamole. There were also tables where various groups and organizations displayed their respective cultures.
“I loved the different foods from different cultures that were involved through snacks and food,” freshman Mareli Perez said.
In addition, tables were set up with activities and snacks. The African and Caribbean table displayed unique examples of various skin and hair care products. For example, take the jars of shea butter. Shea butter is an ivory-colored and versatile fat useful for both cooking and making your skin glisten.
“I really liked seeing the diversity at this event and enjoying the yummy food and learning about different cultures,” freshman Melissa Castro said.
The Irish table featured free necklaces and tasty treats like donuts and Irish scones as a perfect way to get everyone in the St. Patrick’s Day mood. The CSA table hosted origami sessions and had various snacks, including Chinese brands of Lay’s chips and Oreos. They have a more aromatic, floral scent and flavor compared to their Western counterparts.
The Latin American table served Rita’s water ice and mangonada, which is a Mexican frozen drink made from mango, lime juice and ice. Attendees combined it with Tajín seasoning to make a unique dessert.
“We just want to show that we’re present at Villanova, but we’re proud to be Hispanics,” junior and LASO Internal Affairs manager Edgar Alvarado said. “And coming together with other minorities is an amazing way to show that Villanova supports diversity within its campus.”
The night capped off with a dance performance from ABLAZE, Villanova’s multicultural hip-hop dance team. Their upbeat music and energetic, stylish dance moves amazed the whole room as attendees cheered them on.
“My favorite part of the event was seeing everyone come together to enjoy the performances, the food, the atmosphere and learning and celebrating different cultures around the world,” senior and LASO board member Luciana Wolcott said.
“I feel like students sometimes don’t realize the amount of cultures that we have here on campus and how the office is always open for international students and non-international students,” Quintero said.
Quintero described VISO as a safe space for all students to celebrate diversity and build community.
Students interested in events from VISO or joining the organization can find them on VUGroups or follow them on Instagram @villanovaviso. Let’s learn more about the world around us together.
