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Banquet
gives credit to cultural students
By
Emily Goodson
Staff Reporter
Members of over 15 of TCU’s cultural organizations
gathered Friday night for the Sixth Annual Intercultural
Banquet, which featured dinner, an awards ceremony and
a dance.
Over 350 students, faculty, staff and alumni attended
the event, including Chancellor Victor Boschini, Friday
night.
The Organization for Latin American Students, the Asian
Student Association and the African Heritage Organization
were just a few of the groups represented, though the
banquet was open to all students and cultures. Regina
Evans, the Student Development Chair for the International
Student Association, said the event is “a chance
for international and minority students to gain recognition
for their hard work and how much they’ve contributed
to the university.”
Evans, one recipient of the Very Important Team Player
Award, said, “A bunch of us received the award, but
I’m just glad people thought of me.”
The first award recognized the Community Scholars, a group
of high school seniors with full academic scholarships.
The students received a standing ovation as they accepted
the honor. Others to receive awards were Cornell Thomas
for Staff Appreciation and Corrie Lockhart for Outstanding
Leader.
The first Intercultural Banquet was held in a church banquet
hall, with an attendance of about 120 students. Since
then, the ceremony has moved to the Radisson Plaza Hotel
in downtown Fort Worth, and attendance has almost tripled.
“To see it grow from the first year to what it is
now is a huge accomplishment,” said Neelu Shori,
the student planner for the banquet.
The international and minority communities came into greater
focus when two international students were assaulted while
camping over spring break. The incident prompted a town
hall meeting to discuss issues of race and prejudice on
and off campus. As a result, the establishment of a mentor
program was proposed to help international students adjust
to life in America.
The Intercultural Banquet provided an opportunity for
students to gather for a positive reason, said Darron
Turner, associate dean of student development.
“The banquet allows students to get together to enjoy
and have a good time,” he said. “Pretty much
every minority is represented.”
Proceeds from the event go to the Intercultural Education
and Services department, which provides support and guidance
to minority students. |
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