Holiday Party at the Presidential residence on December 8, 2005

Although of late it is politically incorrect to utter the word "Christmas," the international students who hosted the President's “Holiday” party with First Lady, Joyce Albrecht were aglow with enthusiasm. 

 

The annual Christmas party to honor the university trustees is traditionally the first event to kick off the holiday season at the President’s residence. Joyce Albrecht had assiduously studied the cultural traditions of the invited international students and scholars in order to create a menu featuring courses from around the world.  A beautiful floral arrangement of citrus fruit, greens and hard shell nuts-auspicious symbols in all countries represented- adorned each table. 

 

Marjorie Cadet, a Business major from Haiti wore a cotton dress and head wrap reflecting Caribbean colors.  Scholar, Feng Dong, from mainland China wore a red silk dress in traditional Chinese style. The South Korean national dress worn by Psychology major, Dongchu Chang, was flowing pink chiffon with a high waist and ribbons adorning the bodice.  Leyla Ahmad, irrigation engineer from Iran explained that women in her country would normally cover their heads, but that she preferred to wear western attire on campus. Electrical Engineering major, Pavanna Rupa from southern India wore a stunning teal ghagra, a traditional dress in chiffon with masses of hand beading.  Pavanna, in addition to her technical abilities, has been trained in classical Indian dance. 

 

The guests in attendance were given insight into the interesting personal story of Bemate Bomboma, public health major from Togo on the western African coast. Bemate, who speaks fluent English, French and native African languages, wore a foulard, a cotton hat and a  “wax” outfit, in a spectacular pattern of geometric configurations, which is produced through a process of applying wax to long strips of fabric before many layers of dye are added.  Bemate, the oldest of five children, attended medical school in Africa for four years before deciding to train in public health in the United States.  His ultimate goal is to pursue Doctoral studies here and work in Africa for the World Health Organization, making inroads in the fight against AIDS, influenza and dysentery. 

 

All of the students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to study at Utah State in a broadly flexible and stable educational system. 

 

The luncheon ended with an international carol sing, conducted by Maribeth Evensen-Hengge of the Office of International Students and Scholars and accompanied by pianist, Alvaro Matamoros of Spain.  All of the international students related experiences of Christmas celebrations unique to their home countries. 

 

In Spain, the season begins on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, honoring the Virgin Mary, patron saint of Spain. In Iran, a Christian minority maintains Christmas as a strictly religious holiday, in China red paper lanterns adorn homes and Christmas dinner is Chinese fare.  Pavanna Rupa remarked that in India, an extremely religiously tolerant society, even Hindus decorate the outside door with a star of Bethlehem to honor their Christian neighbors.