Syracuse University to hold annual International Thanksgiving Celebration on Nov. 18

Syracuse University to hold annual International Thanksgiving Celebration on Nov. 18November 08, 2001Jonathan Hayjhay@syr.edu

Although large quantities of turkey will be consumed at Syracuse University’s 22nd Annual International Thanksgiving Celebration, to be held Nov. 18 in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium, the crowd will be too entertained to doze off after dinner.

The sedative effects of the tryptophan found in turkey will be counteracted by a lively performance by the Odesa Ukrainian Dance Ensemble following the dinner. Some 500 international students and scholars, their families and invited guests are expected to attend the event, which will begin at 5:15 p.m.

The event-which has traditionally started earlier in the day-has an evening starting time this year in recognition of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast until after sunset.

“International students, scholars and their families love to gather to celebrate this American holiday in its fullest tradition,” says Patricia Burak, director of the Lillian and Emanuel Slutzker Center for International Services. “For many, it is their first taste of turkey, pumpkin pie and whipped cream. The memories last a lifetime!”

The annual celebration, sponsored by Hendricks Chapel and the Slutzker Center for International Services, is designed to introduce newly arrived international students to the American Thanksgiving tradition. Students experience a traditional holiday meal served family style. Members of the University and Syracuse communities are involved as table hosts, keeping dinner conversation lively and answering students’ questions about the celebration.

The Odesa Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Slawka Bobesky and Lynn Dunyk, has almost 60 members ranging in age from four to 25. The dancers will perform immediately following the dinner. The Odesa Ensemble is comprised of new and second- and third-generation Americans who work hard to maintain their culture and traditions. Costumes are handmade by parents and friends of the troupe. Dancers practice weekly year-round, and enjoy the opportunity to present this aspect of their Ukrainian heritage throughout the Central New York area.

The Rev. Thomas Wolfe, dean of Hendricks Chapel, and Burak will co-host the event. Greetings will be offered by Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw; Mary Ann Shaw, associate of the Chancellor; and Cornelius B. Murphy Jr., president of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Prabhuram Raghunathan and Gireesh Chaudhury, the graduate and the undergraduate presidents of the Association of International Students at SU, will also greet the guests.

Donors who have made the annual celebration possible include Peter’s Groceries Inc.; Syracuse Banana Co.; Maines Paper and Food Services’ Samir’s Import Foods’ Paul DeLima Co.; Sysco Co.; Venture Marketing; Kaufmann’s; SU Food Services; Schisa Brothers Market; Upstate Farms;Ameripride Services; Johnston Paper Co.; Westcott Florist; the Islamic Society of CNY; Spectrum Food Services and Alliant Food Service.