Worldfest Celebrates a World of Cultures on UC s Campus

The University of Cincinnati invites the Cincinnati USA community to take a trip around the world, just minutes away from their own homes, as UC’s Worldfest celebration gets underway April 26-May 5. Many of the Worldfest events, free and open to the public, are planned by UC’s international student organizations and feature art, food, music and dance.

UC International Services reports 2,037 students representing 98 countries at UC. Each year, approximately 500 scholars from around the world are at UC to teach, work and study. In addition, 845 students represented the University of Cincinnati as they studied abroad in 45 different countries. Cooperative education, founded at the University of Cincinnati, had a total of 3,225 students working in 35 states and abroad in 11 countries in 2006– the overseas country hosting the largest number of co-op students, 13, was Germany, followed closely by the United Kingdom, with 12 students.

A recent international student satisfaction survey ranked UC No. 1 among top world-class institutions when it came to overall student satisfaction with their experience on campus, including their welcome to UC, living accommodations and cost of living, graduate study and dining services (Click here for more details on the International Student Barometer).

UC’s 2007 Worldfest keynote speaker, Arun Gandhi, presents the message, “Non-violence or Non-existence: Options for the 21st Century,” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 1, in the Great Hall of Tangeman University Center. The event is free and open to the public. Born in Durban South Africa and raised under the Apartheid laws of South Africa, Gandhi is the grandson of India’s legendary leader, Mohandas K. “Mhatma” Gandhi. At first seeking an “eye-for-an-eye” justice for the discrimination he suffered, he says he learned from his parents and grandparents that justice does not mean revenge, but that positive change can occur through seeking to build understanding. It’s a message he shares around the world.

Worldfest is sponsored by UC’s Just Community initiative – celebrating its 10th year on campus – to build respect and appreciation for UC’s diversity as well as a sense of pride in the integrity of the UC community.

Here’s the 2007 Worldfest schedule of events:

Thursday, April 26

2-4 p.m., African-American Cultural & Research Center (AACRC)
Harambee series
“Harambee” is a Swahili word that means, “Let us all pull together.” This is a time for dialogue (constructive conversation) among UC students, faculty and staff. This event will be held once per academic quarter and will be facilitated by a member of the UC community. The special topic of this series is entitled, “The Wait is Over: A Look at Student Involvement.”
Contact: Ewaniki Moore, assistant director, AACRC, 513-556-1177

Friday, April 27

3-5 p.m., AACRC
Ushindi Recognition Ceremony
This event will display a unique blend of awards from the categories of academic excellence, community service and leadership.
Contact: Ewaniki Moore, assistant director, AACRC, 513-556-1177

5-7 p.m., Sigma Sigma Commons  
Ushindi Cookout
Ushindi, which is Swahili for the word “victory,” is celebrated every spring by the African American Cultural and Research Center (AACRC). Ushindi acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments and achievements of current student leaders, participants in the Transitions program (a first-year experience program to build on retention and graduation rates) and academic excellence through the Kujifanza celebration. Free and open to the public
Contact: Ewaniki Moore, assistant director, AACRC, e-mail: ewaniki.moore@uc.edu, phone: 513-556-1177

Sunday, April 29

Noon-1:30 p.m., AACRC  
Ushindi Church Service
Join us for a church service in the AACRC, sponsored by Brothers and Sisters Excelling. The guest pastor is the Reverend Stanton Thomas from Inspirational Baptist Church. The event will feature a performance by the dynamic AACRC Choir.
Contact: Ewaniki Moore, ewaniki.moore@uc.edu, 513-556-1177

6-8 p.m., DAAP Auditorium, Room 4400 Aronoff
Carnatic Music Vocal Concert
This is an Indian Classical Carnatic Music Concert with live music performed by renowned artist, Unni Krishnan, accompanied by his troupe. Sponsored by the UC student organization, Society for Appreciation of Bharatiya Heritage and Arts (SABHA), the concert, free and open to the public, is an opportunity to learn about the elegance of Indian classical music.
Contact: Arun Janarthanan, 513-556-7397 or Varun Krishnamurthy, 513-884-0261

Monday, April 30 

9-11 a.m.,  Hillel Jewish Student Center
Beit Cafe B’Ivrit
Connect with fellow students while practicing your Hebrew.
Free and open to the public
Sponsored by Hillel Jewish Student Center
Phone: 513-221-6728

11 a.m., CenterCourt
Beginning April 30, UC’s CenterCourt restaurant celebrates Worldfest with a daily Worldfest-themed menu at CenterCourt’s World Series taste station. Check the menu online.

6-8 p.m., Max Kade Center (Seventh floor, Old Chemistry Building)
Taste of Asia
A free sampling of food from various Asian countries, including
Vietnam, Japan, China, The Philippines and India
Free and open to the public
Contact: Maiko Yamashita 937-416-5539

7 p.m., MainStreet Cinema (Reception at 6:30 p.m.)
Film, Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violent resistance is delivered in a film that is both entertaining and a historical record of one of the world’s key figures in history. Free and open to the public, this is a feature of the Worldfest Film Festival, an international film festival to promote global education and human rights around the world. The event is sponsored by Students for Study Abroad and the Political Science Student Association (PSSA).
Contacts: Jill Winograd: jill.winograd@uc.edu; Ryan Meyer, rnmeyer1@yahoo.com

Tuesday, May 1

11 a.m.-noon, TUC Atrium
Koto Japanese Musical Performance
Come and enjoy the sounds of this ancient Japanese instrument. The koto has been a part of the Japanese culture since the seventh century.
Free and open to the public
Contact: Maiko Yamashita 937-416-5539

4-7 p.m., MainStreet Cinema, TUC
Turkish Movie: “The Borrowed Bride (Egreti Gelin)” (In Turkish, with English subtitles)
“The Borrowed Bride” was legendary Turkish director Atif Yilmaz’s last film (his 119th) before he died in 2006. The tradition usually involved an older woman who would prepare a young man for marriage. Controversial in Turkey, “The Borrowed Bride” sparked a national debate on whether being a "borrowed bride" was ever a respectful arrangement and for how long the tradition persisted. Presented by Turkish students and scholars at UC, the event will also include refreshments such as Turkish Delight and mixed nuts.
Contact: Elif Bengu, graduate assistant, UC International, 513- 556-4596 or e-mail, bengue@email.uc.edu

EVENT CANCELLED: Taste of Shades

7 p.m., Hillel Jewish Student Center
Krav Maga
This is the official self-defense system used by the Israeli Defense Forces. The event will feature a demonstration and instruction.
Contact: Hillel Jewish Student Center, 513-221-6728

7 p.m., Great Hall, Tangeman University Center (TUC)
Worldfest Keynote Address: Arun Gandhi
The grandson of India’s legendary leader, Mohandas K. “Mahatma” Gandhi, shares his own personal lessons of what he has learned about violence, anger and social issues with audiences around the world. The event is free and open to the public.
Contact: Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD) 513-556-6115

Wednesday, May 2 

Noon-2:30 p.m., Great Hall, TUC 
International Career Forum: The Global Workplace: Social and Business Customs
The CDC International Career Forum invites students, staff and faculty who are interested in
working abroad to learn about the social and business customs and personal adjustments that
students and professionals experience in their study or employment  in the global workplace.
These discussions will include a range of insights from professionals who have worked abroad and have acquired the cultural competencies to excel in their careers.
Contact: Julia Montier-Ball, assistant director, CDC, 513-556-3471, e-mail
montiej@ucmail.uc.edu

Noon-2 p.m., MainStreet Cinema, TUC
Film: “Inside Out”
Part of the “Sex in the Cinema” series sponsored by MainStreet Cinema and the UC Women’s Center, the film features three people and their lifelong struggle to come to terms with their gender dysphoria and the impact of hormone therapy and sex-change surgery on their lives in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Free and open to the public.
Contact: Kim Fulbright, program coordinator, UC Women’s Center, 513-556-4328

6 p.m., Hillel Jewish Student Center
Falafel and Friends
Join two Israeli college-aged students as they teach about Israeli culture. Dine on Israeli foods such as falafel, Israeli salad, hummus and pita.
Contact: Hillel Jewish Student Center, 513-221-6728

7-9 p.m., Room 400-A, TUC
Delta Phi Lambda Seminar: Osteoporosis in the Asian Community
Information is the best form of prevention. This seminar will seek to inform participants about the risks of osteoporosis in the Asian community, especially among Asian women. Free and open to the public.
Free and open to the public
Contact: Maiko Yamashita 937-416-5539

7 p.m., MainStreet Cinema, TUC (reception at 6:30 p.m.)
Worldfest Film Festival: “Only Human”
Free and open to the public, this is a feature of the Worldfest Film Festival, an international film festival to promote global education and human rights around the world. The event is sponsored by Students for Study Abroad and the Political Science Student Association (PSSA).
Contacts: Jill Winograd: jill.winograd@uc.edu; Ryan Meyer, rnmeyer1@yahoo.com

Thursday, May 3

11 a.m.-2 p.m., McMicken Commons
International Festival
A widely popular Worldfest tradition, the outdoor festival features a variety of cultural displays and cuisines from student organizations and community groups. The event also features spectacular cultural performances by students and community groups, as well as international merchandise. Free and open to the public.
Contact: Janet Schneider, UC International, 513-556-4339

6:30-8: 30 p.m., Max Kade Center
Food for Thought: An Evening with Def Poetry Artist Bao Phi
Vietnamese-born spoken-word poet Bao Phi will bring his performance to campus. Phi’s work includes themes of love and survival which he weaves together with humor. Free and open to the public.
Free and open to the public
Contact: Maiko Yamashita 937-416-5539

7 p.m., MainStreet Cinema (Reception at 6:30 p.m.)
Worldfest Film Festival Presents “Screamers”
Free and open to the public, this is a feature of the Worldfest Film Festival, an international film festival to promote global education and human rights around the world. The event is sponsored by Students for Study Abroad and the Political Science Student Association (PSSA).
Contacts: Jill Winograd: jill.winograd@uc.edu; Ryan Meyer, rnmeyer1@yahoo.com

7-9:30 p.m., Great Hall, TUC
Travel To China
China is a land of treasure and tradition. This event will help people experience the magic that has drawn travelers to the mysterious East for centuries. This program will offer a first-hand look at Chinese culture and will hold an exhibition, performances and a sampling of traditional Chinese cuisine. The exhibition will feature calligraphy, Chinese paintings, paper cuttings, Chinese crafts, a scenery photo show and Chinese movie.
Sponsored by the UC Chinese Students and Scholars Association, the event is free and open to the public. Web site
Contact: Ke Li, co-president, like@email.uc.edu; Dan Li, co-president, lidn@email.uc.edu

Friday, May 4

11 a.m., CenterCourt
UC’s award-winning CenterCourt restaurant celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Mexican delicacies at all taste stations.

5 p.m., Max Kade Center
Romanian Cultural Evening
This event will feature Romanian folk dance, Romanian music, a Romanian buffet and a presentation about Romania, sponsored by the UC Romanian Student Association. Attendees will get a chance to learn the folk dances and sample the Romanian dishes. The event is free and open to the public.
Contact: Oana Mihaescu, mihaesoa@email.uc,edu

6 p.m., TUC 400 ABC
 International Etiquette Dinner
Learn proper eating etiquette from other countries while enjoying international food. Space is limited. For reservations, call Erica Forrest, 513-556-6124.

6 p.m., Hillel Jewish Student Center
Israeli Shabbat
Shabbat takes place every week, but the theme for the week of Worldfest is “Israeli Shabbat.” Services will be followed by a gourmet Israeli meal at 7:15 p.m. RSVPs are encouraged. Free and open to the public.
Contact: Hillel Jewish Student Center, 513-221-6728

6-8 p.m., Sigma Sigma Commons (Rain location: Great Hall)
Ethnic Programs & Services Fashion Show
The Multicultural Worldfest Fashion show provides students the opportunity to display their ethnic and cultural backgrounds through the pageantry of fashion.  This year's show is themed "Definition of Style," and will showcase bohemian, hip-hop, vintage/classic and cultural attire.  Please join us as we celebrate and embrace our diversity through fashion.
Free and open to the public.
Contact: Derrick Jenkins, e-mail derrick.jenkins@uc.edu; phone 513-556-1020

Saturday, May 5

Noon-4:30 p.m., Great Hall
Taste of India Celebration
A popular Worldfest celebration presented by the UC student organization, Association for India’s Development (AID), Taste of India is free, open to the public and offers a family-oriented celebration of Indian cuisine and culture. This event will transport you to the Indian subcontinent and provide an opportunity to experience different varieties of Indian food, music, dance, arts and other customs such as Mehendi (a temporary tattoo), and Rangoli. Guests will be able to sample a mouth-watering variety of Indian delicacies. The event will also include a short cultural program featuring Indian folk and classical dance.
Contact: Sridhar Rajam, e-mail Sridhar_aid@yahoo.com

Worldfest at Raymond Walters College