Oglethorpe's Third Annual World Showcase Celebrates International Diversity
- Rachel Spooner '26
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Students, faculty, and families gathered on the academic quad for the annual World Showcase on March 21 for a night of cultural performances, giveaways, art vendors, and international cuisines. The event, hosted by the Asian American & Pacific Islander Students in Association (ASIA), had over 300 in attendance.
“The World Showcase, only being around for a couple years, truly portrays what Oglethorpe’s values are: to create diversity and a welcoming community for everyone from all cultures to feel safe and appreciated,” said Komang Ardani ‘27, ASIA’s event coordinator and future co-president. According to the student profile on Oglethorpe’s website, 58 percent of students identify as people of color. As of fall 2023, students hail from 31 different countries.
“Oglethorpe is just a melting pot of cultures,” said Mekela Iorio ‘25, the Vice President of ASIA. “We wanted to just highlight the cultures and clubs we have on campus.” The World Showcase was organized alongside the Intercultural Center, Black Student Caucus, African Student Association, Muslim Student Association (MSA), and OU Monarchs.
Other organizations hosted tables on the quad with activities for attendees. The Tower, Oglethorpe’s literary magazine, provided journals to decorate, and MSA henna artists were met with long lines throughout the night. Some students presented their own crafts; Penelope Bertrand sold watercolor art and Zoe Carter displayed handmade earrings. Maria Isabel Moraes Lanzelotti, an attendee and one of the night’s vocal performers, mentioned that one of her favorite parts of World Showcase was the array of free crafts. “Situations like this are when we get to show our diversity and different nationalities and different cultures that we don't get to talk about on a daily basis,” she said.
Several students gave dance performances at World Showcase, including the Khayos dance team and the Oglethorpe Cheer Team. Beyoncá Elias ‘25, choreographer of Khayos, spoke about the cultural significance of dance: “Dance is a way to communicate without words. You can say so many things with body movement.” Elias danced with the Khayos team, as well as put on a solo performance. “The dances I did weren’t a part of my culture, but I felt really close and strongly to them that I felt like it was part of my culture,” she said.
The night concluded with a fashion show presented by the Commuter Student Association, exhibiting students from all over the globe in their cultural attire. “[World Showcase] is kind of one of the biggest events of the year, where everyone can come together,” Elias said, “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to open our doors to showcase different cultures. Like, we have no excuse not to.”
Iorio admired the outpouring of student support at World Showcase and hopes, in the future, Oglethorpe faculty participate in meaningful ways. Ardani said, “Seeing all types of performances, cultural attire, food, and overall mood made the night truly special. It is a night where everyone can feel closer together like one big family.”
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