A global Thanksgiving
Photos courtesy of Scott Boyle and Center for Global Programs and Services November 27, 2024
International students, scholars and their families gather for traditional Thanksgiving dinner at 91原创
From 鈥渇amily and friends,鈥 to 鈥渁 new community,鈥 to 鈥渢he many memories made at 91原创,鈥 international Blue Hens found much to be thankful for this year.
The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the 91原创 once again invited international students, scholars and their families to experience a traditional American Thanksgiving Dinner. During the popular event, held annually on the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day, guests had the opportunity to learn about the United States tradition, enjoy the classic holiday dinner together and share their own messages of gratitude.
鈥淎fter an intense semester of studying, I really needed a break and a chance to connect with others who understand the unique experience of being far from home, build some hope and remind myself that I'm not alone in this journey,鈥 said Peter Gachuka Ndagi, a business analytics and information management graduate student from Kenya. 鈥淚t felt like exactly what I needed to recharge and gain perspective.鈥
CGPS welcomed 500 international students, scholars and their family members to the 11th annual celebration, surpassing last year鈥檚 record high turnout of 350 guests. In addition, Thanksgiving Dinner was moved to Trabant University Center, a central campus location, to make the event more accessible to students. In previous years, the event has been held at the STAR Tower Audion and the Embassy Suites off campus.聽
While some guests experienced their first traditional Thanksgiving meal, others returned for their second or third American holiday. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed the feast and wrote messages of gratitude on paper leaves that were then displayed on a fall-themed wall. Guests also enjoyed a DJ and music, a photo booth, door prizes and engaging guest speakers.
Ali Sipra, a graduate student from Pakistan who is studying business analytics and information聽 management, had heard about the Thanksgiving Dinner from friends who had attended in previous years.聽
鈥淓vents like these are a great opportunity for students to get together and experience good moments with food, different cultures and wonderful memories,鈥 Sipra said. 鈥淚t was held at a good time with the break having just begun after a taxing few weeks of study and work.鈥
To kick off the evening, Associate Provost of International Programs Ravi Ammigan greeted the audience with a message of gratitude for everyone in attendance, as he reflected on the memory of his first Thanksgiving in the U.S. as an international student.聽
鈥淲hat I remember the most from that evening 27 years ago is that I had made new friends and I was grateful for feeling that I belonged. I hope you have that same sense of belonging here at the 91原创,鈥 Ammigan said. 鈥淲e are gathered this evening to celebrate not just Thanksgiving, but the rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds and experiences that each of you brings to the University community.鈥
In addition, University leadership and staff, as well as Delaware Gov. John Carney, shared Thanksgiving wishes in a video message.
Global Thanksgiving: https://capture.udel.edu/media/1_qowk4doe/
鈥淚 know that being away from home isn鈥檛 always easy, especially during holidays like this, even if it is not one you typically celebrate,鈥 Carney said. 鈥淧lease know that we are glad you chose to study here in Delaware, and your presence makes our community stronger. This holiday season I hope that you find time to connect with friends and share in new celebrations.鈥澛
Ammigan invited guests to not only celebrate the Thanksgiving traditions, but also share values and beliefs that are close to their hearts.聽
鈥淎s international students and scholars, you have all made incredible sacrifices to come to 91原创, to pursue education, to discover new opportunities, and to build bridges between cultures. In doing so, you鈥檝e also enriched all of us,鈥 he said. 鈥淵our diverse perspectives, experiences and stories create a space for learning, for growth and for understanding. You鈥檝e taught us that gratitude isn鈥檛 just about the things we have 鈥 it鈥檚 about the people we meet and the connections we make.鈥
About the Center for Global Programs and Services
The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the 91原创 is home to the operations of 91原创 Global, which includes Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, World Scholars Program and Global Outreach and Partnerships. The Center provides leadership and collaborative innovation in support of all of the University's global initiatives and campus internationalization efforts, with its Global 360 Strategy serving as a roadmap for infusing international perspectives throughout the University鈥檚 scholarship, research, and service missions. Focused on a student-centered approach, CGPS provides expert advising and a wealth of global engagement opportunities to the 91原创 campus community, including the weekly International Coffee Hour in the fall and spring semesters.
Follow and engage with @91原创Global on and for the latest updates on everything global happening at 91原创.
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