This event will bring students together who come from different cultures, nations and religions, according to Maurice Cooley, associate vice president for intercultural affairs at Marshall.
“Unity amongst culturally diverse groups is essential to establishing world peace and a true understanding of our world,” Cooley said. “Through World Fusion celebrations we hope to foster awareness and create an environment for meaningful intercultural exchanges among all of our students – no matter where they come from, what language they speak or whom they worship.”
Cooley said World Fusion events would kick off April 5 with a multi-national, student-led panel discussion with participants from Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, Africa, India, the U.S., Columbia and others. He said this “World Summit” event would allow participants to understand how social and cultural dynamics are different and influence all aspects of how we develop friendships and lifelong relationships around the world. He said those in attendance would reveal so much that we never imagined. Faculty members are encouraged to promote this social learning experience to university students.
World Fusion events will continue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 6, with “World Fusion Day” on the Memorial Student Center plaza. Katie Pack, a pre-med graduate student in the Office of Intercultural Affairs, has served as an organizer for these events. Pack said admission is free to each of these activities and everyone is encouraged to attend. She said in case of rain, the event will be held inside the Memorial Student Center.
“We want students, staff and faculty to join us on the plaza for music, food, art and interactive displays of diversity from around the world,” Pack said. “We will have participants from over 15 cultural and subcultural groups including Black United Students, the Saudi Student Association, the International Student Organization, various faith organizations and many more.”
Pack said the World Fusion celebrations are being held in conjunction with the Marshall University World Council, developed during the past year by the Office of Intercultural Affairs. The World Council is dedicated to giving American and international students the opportunity to learn from one another and grow. World Council currently consists of 12 national student organizations. Those interested in joining World Council may contact the Office of Intercultural Affairs.
For more information on World Fusion events, contact Pack at pack74@live.marshall.edu. To learn more about Marshall’s Office of Intercultural Affairs, visit www.marshall.edu/intercultural/.