SPH Celebrates Cultural Diversity

International Night Raises Money For Students In Need

Decorated with flags of the world, colorful streamers and balloons, the gymnasium at The University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health rocked with sounds of international music and the stomping echoes of dancing feet.

The school’s long-standing tradition was upheld on Friday, March 6, as hundreds gathered for the 31st International Night Celebration, organized by the Public Health Student Association. The gala was open to students, friends and family, and the $5 entry pass included an international buffet, a Kung Fu demonstration by the Ng Family Chinese Martial Arts Association, and Latin dance instruction, hosted by the Alumni Association with deejays Norm Viray and Fran Strain, co-founders of DanceMates Educational Arts.

While guests grabbed a partner and learned to Salsa and Merengue, other attendees stood in line for Mehndi Henna tattoos or to have their caricature drawn in the lounge. Dollar raffle tickets were sold for prizes donated by the Museum of Science and Industry, the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf, National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago History Museum, Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, Black Ensemble Theater and more.

Eric Gebbie a doctoral student and president of the Public Health Student Association, estimated that nearly $1,000 had been raised from ticket and raffle sales, which will benefit the International Student Aid Fund, created to provide financial support to the school’s international students.

Adrienne Dellinger, vice president of the PSHA was primarily responsible for planning the event; a process she said took several months.

“The week before, only 50 people had signed up. Tonight, an estimated 200 arrived to celebrate,” Dellinger said. “Because UIC is such an international campus, it brings everyone together. It gives everyone a chance to show what culture they represent and to share that with others.”

Graduate student Ifeanyi Beverly Abadom, a U.S. citizen raised in Nigeria, said the evening has embraced her and her international student friends.

“For people like me, this is enlightening,” Abadom said. “It’s relaxing in the middle of the semester, and it’s like a welcome for us.”

Even the youngest attendees enjoyed themselves. Four-year-old Dhara said she’s been to International Night four times. Her mother, Devangna “Guddi” Kapadia, is an alumna of the school.

What keeps Dhara, and her mother, coming back? Every year is a different experience, Kapadia said. “It’s something local, it’s fun, and it brings all of us from the school together.”

-- Danielle Desjardins