Syracuse University’s international students to get their first taste of American Thanksgiving Nov. 20

Syracuse University’s international students to get their first taste of American Thanksgiving Nov. 20November 08, 2005Kelly Homan Rodoskikahoman@syr.edu

Some of Syracuse University’s international students and scholars will be treated to their first taste of traditional Thanksgiving fare-such as turkey and pumpkin pie-during Syracuse University’s 26th Annual International Thanksgiving Celebration, to be held Nov. 20 in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium. More than 500 international students, scholars and their families are expected to attend the dinner, which will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The annual feast is sponsored by Hendricks Chapel, the Division of Student Affairs and the Lillian and Emanuel Slutzker Center for International Services.Turkey and trimmings-such as dressing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce-are part of the dinner, which is designed to introduce newly arrived international students and scholars to the American Thanksgiving tradition. The meal is served family style, and members of the University and Syracuse communities are involved as table hosts, keeping the conversation lively and answering questions about the celebration.

The Rev. Thomas V. Wolfe, dean of Hendricks Chapel, and Patricia A. Burak, director of the Slutzker Center, serve as co-hosts. Greetings will be offered by SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor; Cornelius B. Murphy Jr., president of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and Divya Kurup, president of the Association of International Students at SU (AISSU). Regina Jones, programs coordinator in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, will offer a Native American Thanksgiving address.

“This is one of our highlight events every year,” says Wolfe. “Thanksgiving is a tradition that brings everyone to a common table. All people share a spirit of gratitude for life, relationships and the bounty of the earth that sustains us. At this event, we introduce our international community to a traditional Thanksgiving meal as we celebrate our many expressions of gratitude.”

Entertainment will be provided by the Odesa Ukrainian Folk Dance Troupe, under the direction of Slawka Bobesky.

Donors to this year’s event include Paul deLima Coffee; Johnson Paper; Stroehmann Bakeries; Maines; Plainville Turkey Farms; Samir’s Imports; Syracuse Banana; Sysco Foods; Upstate Farms; Westcott Florist; SU Bookstore; Spectrum Foods; U.S. Foodservice; SU Food Services; the Islamic Society of Central New York; the Slutzker Center; Benchmark Marketing; and West Side Foods.