The terrorist attacks in Paris were on everyone’s minds as Elgin Community College began its annual International Week celebration on Monday.
Four days of celebrating cultures from around the world began with a parade through the campus hallways of students wearing the traditional attire of foreign lands. Those included Elgin Community College President David Sam, a native of the African nation of Ghana, wearing clothing from China.
The celebrants then observed a moment of silence in honor of Friday’s terrorism victims before going on to hold a dance show and activities such as an international flag memory challenge, making Chinese handheld fans and playing a Spanish “Chutes and Ladders”-style children’s board game called “Serpientes & Escaleras” — with snakes replacing the American game’s chutes.
The events were held at lunchtime in the busy Jobe Lounge as scores of students ate their noon meals.
At the side of the room were displayed student-made models of such world landmarks as the Parthenon in Greece, the Taj Mahal in India, the Kaaba in Saudi Arabia, the Temple of Kukulkan in Mexico, our own Statue of Liberty and White House — and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
International Week will continue on Tuesday with a discussion of foreign students’ “cultural shock” at 11 a.m., a performance of dance from India at 12:30 p.m., and games, crafts, henna and aloha brush art from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., all in the Jobe Lounge.
Wednesday events will include African drummers, Korean dancers and salsa at 11 a.m. plus games, crafts and aloha brush art from noon to 2 p.m., all in the Jobe Lounge.
The week will conclude Thursday with a caricature artist, vendors, brush art and a monument showcase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Building B hallway and at Spartan Corner.
The events are sponsored by the college’s United Students of All Cultures club and the Elgin Community College Office of Student Life.