Una To Host 10th Annual Global Culture Night On Campus

Apr. 16, 2012

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

FLORENCE, Ala. - University of North Alabama students from all parts of the world will join together April 21 at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium to celebrate the 10th annual Global Culture Night on campus. Organizers said the event will bring together a variety of cultures, customs, international cuisine and entertainment. Led for the second year by the Student Multicultural Advisory Committee with the assistance of the Office of Student Engagement, the event will feature performances by Ascending Voices, the Chinese Student Organization, African Poza Dance Troupe and CORE drummers, and a number of students who will perform French, Japanese, Indian, Spanish and other international music and dance. The event will also center on SMAC's theme for the year, which is AIM to Change. The organization's goal is to seek to advocate, integrate and motivate students toward racial and international awareness through multicultural education and programming, according to SMAC adviser and UNA senior Allison Ray. "I would definitely say that for students who haven't been to Global Culture Night before, the event is really critical to allow students to see other international students, and to gain awareness of the diversity we have at UNA," Ray said. "We have a thriving international community that some may not see on a regular basis." The free event will also feature international food, music and activities that will follow the program in the Guillot University Center atrium. Local 102.7 FM radio DJ Hunter Jackson will provide music for the evening. Ray estimates that last year's Global Culture Night brought in approximately 400 attendees, and she hopes to see that number grow at this year's event. Ray has worked to organize Global Culture Night for four years and she said she is proud of the work she and others have accomplished in helping the event grow. "Global Culture Night has been the cornerstone in UNA's international programming every year and it's been a great opportunity for me to have a hands-on experience with the international students and to enable them to have a voice," she said. "I'm really proud because the event has come a long way because we have been able to engage the students in the planning process more. I hope it continues to be a tradition at UNA and continues to grow and incorporate more students, faculty, staff and international students." For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement at 256-765-4248.