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ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University will celebrate and showcase the diversity of its campus during the 7th International Cultural Festival April 13. The free event, sponsored by the Office of International Student Programs and Services and the International Student Council and held from 2 – 6 p.m. in the Montagne Center, will feature a variety of domestic and international artistic displays including singing, dancing, a fashion show and cuisine from around the world.

“The International Cultural Festival is an opportunity to savor great international cuisine and learn about diverse peoples and cultures. We hope guests will be better informed and more appreciative of this amazing diversity,” said Mustapha Jourdini, director of International Student Programs & Services. “We live in an increasingly diverse, interconnected and interdependent global village. ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University students will be better equipped when all of us provide them with rigorous academic training and meaningful co-curricular programming to set them up for success in the real world.”

Event planners - a university-wide steering committee of staff, faculty and students - said all participants can expect to experience traditions, cultures and foods that are different from their own. Student-led events such as a fashion show will showcase clothing from around the world. Entertainment will include students singing and dancing to highlight the traditions of their varying countries. Students will display booths to provide information about a variety of countries giving attendees the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of peoples and places as well as come to understand and appreciate other cultures. 

Attendees will also get to sample savory dishes with an international flare. Sweet Basil is serving Vietnamese food; Laziza Restaurant will be serving Pakistani/Indian food and, Pei Wei will provide samples of Chinese food. Mexican food will also be served. Of course, American food is on the menu, too. Republic of Chicken will serve all-American fried chicken.

Everyone is invited to LU’s International Culture Festival. Several honored guests are expected to join LU’s faculty, staff and students, including the Honorable Consul General Li Qiangmin of the People's Republic of China and City of Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames.