SUNY Plattsburgh's Night of Nations Celebrates Diversity

• by SUNY Plattsburgh

PLATTSBURGH, NY (11/18/2008)(readMedia)-- SUNY Plattsburgh has the second largest number of international students, per capita, of any of the colleges in the State University of New York System, coming in second only to the University at Buffalo. In order to celebrate the diversity on campus, the students, with the guidance of Larry Dolan, student activities assistant, created a night in which international students can educate the community about their cultures.

The Night of Nations, which is only in its third year, is a night of performances, allowing viewers to see into cultures which are not their own. This year's event will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Warren Ballrooms of Angell College Center. It will follow an international dinner held at Samuel D's and end International Education Week, which began on Nov 17.

The night was completely conceptualized by the students and has been put together by students since it began three years ago, according to Dolan. The students organize the festivities and performances. Last year's events included Nigerian snake dancing, traditional Vietnamese folk songs and an international fashion show.

The line up for this year's event will not disappoint. The night will feature several groups on campus such as the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir, African Unity, Club Caribbean and Fuerza. Attendees will be able to see various dances like the Yosakoi Samurai martial arts dance, which was also performed at last year's event; the Tanzani dance; and a Japanese hip hop dance. Fashion shows displaying both traditional and contemporary clothing will be held, as well as a traditional Carnival performance and Vietnamese, Korean, and Caribbean signing.

This night will be a fitting conclusion to International Education Week, throughout which various international foods will be served at the Clinton and Algonquin dining halls. A screening of the movie "Baraka" will also take place in support of the week. It will be viewed on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in Room 200 of Yokum Hall at 7 p.m.

Dolan is especially proud of the students who put this night together and knows how important this night is for the performers and the attendees.

"This event not only highlights that we have international students, but it emphasizes the cultural exchange in education and how important it is," Dolan reflected.