By Shahryar Rizvi
HOUGHTON -- When defining the effect of food on overall social cohesion and well being, Anthropology scholar Penny Van Esterick coined the term "food praxis." The Thanksgiving holiday is a clear example of food's effect on social cohesion. As a part of International Week, Nov. 12-14, Michigan Tech's International Club aims to evoke food praxis with a banquet of foods from around the world.
The feast begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
"We want to express global diversity in terms of food, which we think is effective as indicated with traditional holiday feasts," commented International Club Vice President Donisha Das.
In assembling the menu, Food Committee Chair Aaron DeGabriele intends to represent all continents, including cuisines which are obscure to most Americans.
The International Food Festival will also feature a a lecture by Bucky Beach titled "Diversity in Global Cultures and Sustainability in Cultural Heritage" and a fashion show.
MTU's International Programs and Services offered students the opportunity to enter the International Education Week reflection-paper contest and the Study Abroad photo contest, and the winners will be awarded at the event.
Tickets are available for $8 and can be purchased in the Fisher Hall lobby, the Memorial Union Commons or by contacting Donisha Das at dadas@mtu.edu.
The food festival is one of several events being held as part of International Education Week, a national initiative launched by former President Bill Clinton. The 2007 theme is "Fostering Global Citizenship and Respect," announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.
This initiative started in 2000 to recognize the significance of international students, curricula and programming in U.S. higher education. The Office of International Programs and Services (IPS), in partnership with the International Club, the Memorial Union and different units of the university, is offering a series of educational and cultural events during the week.
Also on Wednesday, Nov. 14, the World Forum will feature "Peace Corps and Service Learning: What is It and Why Should You do It?" -- a discussion led by Michigan Tech faculty and students who have participated in the Peace Corps program.* The World Forum will be held from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the West Lounge of McNair Hall.
Throughout the week, a display of international flags in the Memorial Union and different international cuisines every day at lunch time will recognize the fact that Michigan Tech is emerging as a global university. This trend will also be demonstrated by international students wearing their cultural attire and Michigan Tech administration and staff wearing international ties and scarves to celebrate internationalization at Michigan Tech.
*MTU has several Peace Corps Master's International programs -- in Forestry, Environmental Engineering, Geology and Science Education. See links in the right column of this page.
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