Scenes from the University of Cincinnati Worldfest celebration over the years.

Mark Your Calendar for UC's Worldfest Week of Events

By John Bach Email John 513-556-2019

12 minute read April 3, 2012

The University of Cincinnati will celebrate Worldfest with a dynamic lineup of events later this month to recognize UC's many cultures throughout the week with performances, fashion, read-ins and, of course,

plenty of free food

Worldfest kicks off officially during an

opening ceremony at 4 p.m. Monday, April 23, in the Great Hall of Tangeman University Center

. A new UC Worldfest event, the opening ceremony will feature flags representing more than 100 countries, music, entertainment,

free desserts and free appetizers.

"This year we felt it was important for Worldfest to have an opening ceremony celebration in order to welcome faculty, staff and students to join in the weeklong excitement of programming," said Nicole Ausmer, assistant director of Student Activities and Leadership Development and event organizer. To RSVP for the opening ceremony, email Nicole Ausmer (nicole.ausmer@uc.edu).

Worldfest, now in its 16th year at UC, is a

Just Community

initiaitive. It includes nearly two dozen indoor and outdoor events on UC's main campus as well as UC Blue Ash (formerly Raymond Walters College).

Plan Your Worldfest Experience

Main Campus

(

UC Blue Ash Events at Bottom

)

Friday, April 20

Ushindi Cookout, Sigma Sigma Commons - 5 p.m.

Ushindi, which is Swahili for the word victory, is celebrated every spring by the African American Cultural and Resource Center (AACRC). The Ushindi Cookout will be a fun-filled evening of food and outdoor games.

Monday, April 23

Scenes from the University of Cincinnati Worldfest celebration over the years.

Worldfest Week Kickoff Celebration

: Parade of Flags, TUC Great Hall - 4 p.m.

Come out to celebrate the official Worldfest Week opening ceremony. Take pictures with the flag display, enjoy music and entertainment from across the globe and indulge in

sweet treats and appetizers

from all around the world.

RSVP to Nicole Ausmer's email (nicole.ausmer@uc.edu).

Tuesday, April 24

Tacos on Tuesday

, 555 Steger Student Life Center - Noon

On behalf of Latinos En Accion and the Office of Ethnic Programs and Services, join us for a program dedicated to practicing your Spanish speaking skills while enjoying cuisines from our Latino community.

Food

will be catered by Fiesta Brava.

Books for a Cause

, African American Cultural and Resource Center - 2:30 p.m.

Do you remember your favorite book as a child? Did you escape to faraway lands through the pages of books? We are teaming up with College Mentors for Kids to celebrate reading and culture.

Invite Only

. RSVP to Nicole Ausmer's email (nicole.ausmer@uc.edu).

Pecha Kucha

, TUC Cinema - 3 p.m.

Pecha Kucha is a presentation style developed in Japan that focuses on sharing your topic succinctly. This dynamic presentation style utilizes 20 slides and only allows each slide to be viewed for 20 seconds. Come watch students share their study abroad story through this fun presentation method.

Africa: Culture and Mental Health on the Continent and in the Diaspora

, African American Cultural and Resource Center - 6 p.m.

The Counseling Center will host a panel discussion on similarities and differences between the cultures and mental health needs of people of African descent on the continent of Africa, Africans studying abroad as international students and the relationships between Africans born in Africa and those born in the west.

Refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, April 25

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Kony 2012

w/ Q&A Session, Calhoun Hall, Dietz Lounge, 13th Floor - 11 a.m. to Noon

Passport Day

, 3134 Edwards Center One - 1 to 5 p.m. (

by appointment only

)

Passport Day is a great event for anyone who needs a U.S. passport. The cost is $135. Passports are valid for 10 years and are now required for all international travel including Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. You must apply in person for a U.S. passport, and UC International will have passport officials on campus for Passport Day to make it more convenient for you to apply. UC International will also cover the costs of your passport photo.

Call 556-4278 or email global@uc.edu to make an appointment

and to determine the documents you will need to bring.

Jobs/Careers for U.S. & Foreign Nationals

, Great Hall - Noon to 2 p.m.

Learn what U.S. companies are hiring foreign nationals and what exciting career opportunities lie abroad. Find out how globalization is affecting your job search, and network with global company recruiters. Bring your resume, win a prize and enjoy some

free food

courtesy of the Career Development Center.

International Fashion Show

, Great Hall - 6 p.m.

Worldfest and the Office of Ethnic Programs and Services presents the Worldfest International Dance and Fashion Show. UC students will showcase the diversity of UC through clothing and dance in an effort to unite different cultures from across the world. Come join us for a vibrant fashion show.

Thursday, April 26

International Festival

, McMicken Commons - 11 a.m.

One of the highlights of Worldfest is the International Festival, coordinated by UC International. The outdoor festival features a variety of cultural displays and

cuisine from student organizations and community groups

. The event also features cultural performances as well as international merchandise.

Scenes from the University of Cincinnati Worldfest celebration over the years.

International Tasting

, Catskeller - 6 p.m.

Hosted by Cavalier beer experts, this event features

beer from around the world

paired with appetizers. Tickets will be available in advance at Catskeller and also the day of the event, but

seating is limited to the first 50

. Must be 21 or over with a valid state or Military ID to participate.

Cost for the tasting is $10.

Line Dance Night

, African American Cultural and Resource Center - 7 p.m.

Join the United Black Student Association as they host a night full of fun and line dancing. They will offer lessons and take you on a historical journey of how the popular dances became a part of the African-American community.

Friday, April 27

Worldfest Read-In

, TUC Atrium - 2 p.m.

"Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood" by Satrapi Majane

Take part in a book discussion about "Persepolis," the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. The book explores the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval as well as the author's school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence along with her exile from her beloved homeland.

Books can be purchased for $12.95 from the UC bookstore.

A limited supply is also available if you email Nicole Ausmer (nicole.ausmer@uc.edu).

Get more details about the book and read-in.

Challah, Its Shabbat Dinner!

Stratford Heights Pavilion - 7 p.m.

Challah its Shabbot is a celebration of Israel. Come

enjoy traditional Israeli food

such as hummus, falafel, barekas, pita and more. Learn about Shabbat and Israeli customs and rituals.

Saturday, April 28

Holi Festival

, Sigma Sigma Commons - 4 p.m.

Translated as the Festival of Colors, Holi is a traditional holiday celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. It is a celebration of Radhas love for the Lord Krishna (Hindu god). Radha applied colors to her skin to usher in the Spring, a season of love, prosperity and abundance. During this festival, we will be throwing powdered colors symbolizing the colors of spring, bestowing love on the people. Students will perform various Bollywood dances while attendees enjoy a mix of Northern Indian cuisine. (Wear white or used clothing.)

Sunday, April 29

Scenes from the University of Cincinnati Worldfest celebration over the years.

Taste of India

, Great Hall - 2 p.m.

Taste of India is a showcase of Indian culture, music, crafts, arts and

Indian food

. Sponsored by UC's Association for India's Development (AID), Taste of India has been a feature attraction at Worldfest since 2003 and is known to draw as many as 1,000 people. Performances will include Bhangra, Giddha and Rajasthani folk dance along with Bollywood dance medleys and both hindustani and carnatic musical shows.

An Evening of Delightful Indian Classical Music

, Kresge Auditorium - 5 p.m.

The Society for Appreciation of Bharatiya Heritage and Arts will presents Smt. Nityashree Mahadevan, a world renowned carnatic vocal artist.

Worldfest Events at UC Blue Ash College

(

Get the shuttle schedule for UC Blue Ash

)

Thursday, April 19

Holocaust Remembrance Day

, Muntz Hall 119 - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"Stories from the Holocaust: Survivors and Liberators" A Holocaust survivor, two children of survivors and a U.S. Army officer who was a liberator and Nuremburg Trial attendee will share personal experiences.

Monday April 23

Worldfest 2012 Kickoff at UCBA

, Courtyard, Commons, Science & Allied Health Building - Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Ceremony will include a flag display,

a reception

and music of the world.

(More) Faces of RWC

, Commons or Muntz Lobby - Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Digital images of students, faculty and staff that reflect UCBA's family of cultures.

Peace Conference

, Flory 140 - Noon to 2 p.m.

Professors discuss the Impact of social media on the Arab spring and beyond.

UCBAs Green Walk for Health

, Campus Grounds - 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Faculty and staff are invited to walk a mile on campus grounds for better health and to aid in sustaining the environment.

Tuesday, April 24

Scenes from the University of Cincinnati Worldfest celebration over the years.

Diversity Mentorship Launch

, Science & Allied Health Building 100 - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Faculty and staff from diverse cultures will mentor students from similar cultures/populations. Share your needs, concerns and joys while

enjoying the taste of an ethnic dish

Wednesday, April 25

Diversity Fair

, Courtyard & Commons - 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Student groups, staff and faculty sponsor booths that highlight diversity. Performers will provide atmosphere as everyone enjoys

cultural cuisine

Thursday, April 26

Reading Across Cultures

, Muntz Lobby - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us for an experience featuring prose and poetry authored by writers of diverse cultures. Selections will focus on global social justice issues and will be read in English and other languages. Also, enjoy trivia, prizes and

desserts