Annual Celebration of Culture offers samples of Mississippi College’s international flavor

Attendees at the 2024 Celebration of Culture sampled traditional food items at tables representing MC international students' home countries.

The Mississippi College International Institute will showcase the wide array of cultures represented by its students at the annual Celebration of Culture food festival, scheduled from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, in Anderson Hall on the second floor of the B.C. Rogers Student Center on MC’s Clinton campus. There is no cost to attend, and the public is invited.

The celebration will feature food, fellowship and activities that reflect rich heritages from around the world.

Richard Ladner, director of MC’s International Institute, said MC’s international students are eager to share a slice of culture from their home countries.

“About 35 countries are represented by our international students,” Ladner said. “Typically, we have a really good representation of different countries, cultures, and types of food – everything from Walker’s shortbread biscuits from Scotland to spicy dishes from India and Africa.

“Food is such a great connector. Our international students enjoy having an opportunity to share things that are important to them, and food is one of those great ways that people can start to learn about each other’s cultures. This is a chance for students at MC to really think about how important food is across countries.”

Attendees will grow in their knowledge of different cultures by sampling traditional food items and interacting with students at tables representing their home countries. In a short time, visitors can “travel the world” and learn about the cultural diversity represented in the student body at MC.

“One of the great things about having international students at MC is what they bring to the classroom and the campus,” Ladner said.

The annual celebration is always a hit with members of the local community, who enjoy sampling the smorgasbord of international cuisine while mingling with MC students.

“Signature events like the Celebration of Culture really strengthen the relationship MC enjoys with the city of Clinton,” Ladner said. “People in the community may identify with another culture and connect with our students.

“We want students at MC to interact with their international peers, and if they become inspired by this experience, we’d like for them to consider participating in a Study Abroad opportunity.

“Anyone who may be thinking about going into a mission field, students who are interested in careers that have a global component, those who are studying a foreign language, or students who are just interested in expanding their worldview and meeting new people can benefit from attending this Celebration of Culture.”

For more information about the International Institute’s Celebration of Culture, email Rachel Dusenberry at rdusenberry@mc.edu.