By Joanna Selva Kumar
Thirty-six internationals’ students had their 25th annual progressive dinner which took place at the homes of TMU professors Claire Blackwell, Dr. Mitch Hopewell, Dr. John Beck and Dr. Todd Bolen on April 5. The event aimed to embrace community spirit and provide an opportunity for the international students to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Brayden Campos, the director of outreach and international student advancement states, “it’s just been a way for internationals to get off campus and to go in the homes of students and faculty. It’s amazing to see our faculty and staff opening their homes and letting students meet their families.” The tradition has been ongoing for many years and focuses on building connections between TMU faculty and students, providing an informal and homely environment for interaction and cultural exchange.
We stopped by the Hopewell’s house for appetizers, then the Blackwell’s for a Swedish dinner, followed by the Beck’s house for dessert. We finished the course with tea, coffee, and light snacks at the Bolen’s house. We spent around 45 minutes to an hour in each house.
Each host was given the freedom to decide the menu however they were encouraged to feature either international or family recipes. This approach provided students with an experience that was distinct from traditional the American fare, infusing each meal with an ethnic twist.
The event showcased a remarkable diversity, with students from countries like, Indonesia, Philippines, Canada, Albania, Czech Republic, China, Sweden, Germany, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Wales, Ethiopia, Japan, Israel, Ukraine, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Lebanon, Malaysia, Chile, Spain and Romania. This rich cultural diversity reminded us that we all are from different cultural backgrounds, speaking different languages, but we are united in Christ and His body.
The event had many positive reviews. Charles Beck, a junior said, “The international progressive dinner really was a wonderful time for people that lived across the entire globe to get together and fellowship.”
The event also allowed the internationals to share a meal with other people in the community and enjoy the feeling of home. “This is such a great time with my fellow international students. Having a time of fellowship with them and having good foods prepared by the professors,” said Kristina Clare, a junior.
The TMU Mane 