The many faces of Cultural Extravaganza 2015

Now in its 19th year, UHCL’s Cultural Extravaganza is a jubilant evening event that unites members of the community through education and celebration.

Sponsored by the Office of Intercultural Student Services (ISS), Cultural Extravaganza is an aesthetically astounding presentation of a wide range of performing art styles presented by UHCL students representing a variety of countries and cultures that are represented by members of the student body and community.

“We have a diverse community with members from numerous countries who come together at the Cultural Extravaganza to showcase some of the things that give us pride in our cultures,” said Assistant Dean of Student Diversity, Linda Bullock.  “It unites students and the community and it is an amazing opportunity for us all to learn more about one another and the world,”

Bullock explained that she has always worked to see that the student body has the resources and guidance necessary to continue educating the community and each other in a way that maintains and grows the integrity and pride each performer has in their culture.

Performers showcased a wide variety of unique interests delivered through the performing arts.  Resounding and common themes in each and every performance were a strong sense of pride and the performers’ desire to share their culture with others.

Performers were enthusiastic and well prepared, working seamlessly with ISS staff.

Nondita Mondal, performer,  said, “It is a good opportunity for everyone to show their talent and culture.  We are glad to be a part of this.”

The event served as an opportunity for students to share their interests and, in turn, teach one another and the community about the various cultures that make up the UHCL student body.  Student groups performing this year represented 23 countries, but one university.

Ning Chen, Fang-Ju Hsieh and Ping-Hsun Tsai creatively edited and performed a medley of three songs that each expressed a theme they wanted to convey to the audience.  The first part was a song about the capital city of Taipai, expressing the homesickness that the group said traveling students often feel.  The second part featured music by aborigines in Taiwan, famous for their magnificent and beautiful voices.  The last part featured a current popular song from Taiwan in Fukienese, a language spoken by many in Taipai.

Nandita Mondal, Mamta Kathar, Rinki Tomar, Himani Makode, Kratika Jain and P.V. Spandana, made up the performance group Folk Fusion, who skillfully performed indian folk dancing.  They commented that they have wanted an opportunity to showcase Indian culture, and that this was the perfect platform for them.

In addition to hosting enriching and entertaining student performances, ISS sponsored the catering of various foods from several of the countries represented, allowing those who attended to enjoy new or familiar fares from around the world.

This year participants and attendees enjoyed the Samosas & Rasgulla of India, Vegetarian soy bean & tofu, fried rice & eggrolls, of Vietnam, & the Tamales and Churros of Mexico provided by 2015 UHCL Cultural Extravaganza Sponsors and ISS.

Cultural Extravaganza is largely recognized as one of the most popular events that takes place on the UHCL campus and this year it delivered manifold performances to a full theatre with others gathered outside.

Nhee Vang, coordinator for international student services programming, coordinated all aspects of the on-stage production and thoughtfully managed the needs of participants and attendees.  Linda Bullock, Nhee Vang, Brittany Cuba, Rosa Valdovinos, Stefan Birac, Shaun Simon, Dee Taylor and all of the student ambassadors were acting presenters, introducing the student performers, entertaining and, later in the show, guiding the audience through an interactive presentation while participants proudly carried their flag during the Cultural Walk, which serves as the finale for the show.