For Rano Dilmurodova G’26, her first American Thanksgiving didn’t happen at a family table in someone’s home. Instead, the international relations student from Uzbekistan found herself among 600 others at the International Thanksgiving Celebration, in the JMA Wireless Dome on Nov. 20, discovering what she calls “one of my most memorable moments at Syracuse.”

“It made me feel truly connected to our international community. I had the chance to meet brilliant students and experts, exchange ideas about global development and learn more about each other’s cultures,” says Dilmurodova. “It was a beautiful moment to reflect on the past year and feel grateful for all of our collective efforts and experiences.”

She’s not alone in that sentiment. For 41 years, Syracuse University’s International Thanksgiving Celebration has transformed homesickness into community for thousands of international students—a tradition believed to be unique among U.S. universities.

A Legacy of Welcome

The celebration traces back to the 1980s when the late Rev. T.E. Koshy, then the University’s Evangelical Christian chaplain, and his wife, Dr. Indira Koshy, recognized a simple need: international students missed home during the holidays.

As an international student himself, Koshy understood the challenges of being far from home and family. Today, the family’s involvement continues through their son Jay, current Evangelical Christian chaplain, and grandson Josh ’24, both serving as table hosts at the event.

This year’s event, sponsored by the Chancellor’s House and the Center for International Services, honored Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, with a tribute video and ceramic bowl created by Peter Beasecker, professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Dr. Chen has overseen the International Thanksgiving Celebration and championed international students throughout her 12 years at Syracuse. Dr. Chen and Chancellor Kent Syverud will conclude their service to the University in June 2026.

“I really feel that I am home, even though I am on the other side of the earth,” says Ruohan Xu ’23, G’24, reflecting on Chen’s impact.

More Than a Meal

While Food Services served traditional turkey and fixings—including Kosher, Halal and vegetarian options—the evening also offered a spirit of community and family. Table hosts from faculty, staff and community members engaged students in conversations about both American traditions and their own cultures.

The ceremonial turkey carving by Associate Director Joe Sidoni drew eager photographers, while the Hendricks Chapel Choir performed under Professor José “Peppie” Calvar’s direction. Regina Jones of the Oneida Nation Turtle Clan delivered the Native American blessing, acknowledging the land’s original inhabitants.

Joseph Cobbinah, a linguistics master’s student from Ghana who emceed the event, had only heard about Thanksgiving from afar before experiencing it firsthand. “I realized the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and sharing warmth with friends,” he says. “I’m proud to be part of the Syracuse University Orange family.”

For longtime table hosts like Suresh and Ramani Thiagarajan, the joy comes from watching students recognize they’re valued. “They appreciate all the effort put in to make them special and acknowledge that they are a special gift to the University from various parts of the world,” Suresh says.

As international students navigate being thousands of miles from home, this uniquely Syracuse tradition proves that family isn’t just about who you’re born to—it’s also about the tables where you’re welcomed.