Students, faculty and staff came out to this year’s annual Multicultural Mixer to enjoy a night  full of food, performances and giveaways.

The event was originally started by Director of Career Opportunities Dr. Gerald Williams, and is continued by Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion Sandra Jones.

This year Jones decided to allow student organizations to participate in the event in order to interact with students, instead of only individuals.

“What we did add was (sic) the student organizations,” she said. “Having them come out, be able to not only meet new students, but collaborate with each other.”

There were 18 organizations in the program including Replenished Women, Japanese Club, Project Renaissance and many more.

Latin American Student Association member and sophomore student Jesus Rendon said that he participated in the event to bring awareness to his culture.

“We are a minority and not a lot of people talk about us, so we like to spread the word,” Rendon said. “We like to share our culture so they have a feel.”

A food buffet was served with different cultural entrees such as spring rolls, empanadas and America’s favorite food, hot dogs.

“I loved the different kinds of food,” Marissa Roper, a sophomore health science major, said. “It was nice to taste what others around the world eat.”

“XChange Ministries” was a guest and spoke about the impact they hope to have on VSU students.

“We believe you shouldn’t do life alone,” said XChange Ministries President Sierra Cong. “It was a chance for students to see there is a community that will be here to pray, encourage, and support you through your VSU experience.”

Foreign exchange student Anastasiia Podvigina attended the event and said she is enjoying her time so far at VSU.

“I wanted to see people from other countries and to enjoy intercultural people just to see how it works and talk to people,” said Podvigina.

The event was full of laughter, new connections, and set a great mood for the rest of the year.

Written by Kayla Pool, Editor.

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