Varied foods bring out commonalities

Standing next to a giant plate of seaweed Tuesday night, University President Judith Rodin welcomed hordes of students to Hill College House's International Food Night. The annual event went off without a hitch, as Rodin and about 200 students swarmed 10 tables worth of international cuisine. This year marked Rodin's first appearance at the dinner. "This embodies what the college house experience should be: to bring people together from different countries, environments and points of view," Rodin said. "It's one of the wonderful things about the college house system." The college house event gathered students and college house staff to celebrate Hill's diversity through various international dishes, cooked by students. Students and staff members, clothed in everything from pajamas and blue jeans to traditional Chinese dress, sampled the various cuisines, lingering to chat with Rodin and other Hill residents. Dean of College Freshmen Lorraine Sterritt said she convinced Rodin to drop by. "I found her warm and charming," Sterritt said. "She was very excited and enthusiastic about attending events where she could meet lots of students." During the eating hour, students noshed on everything from brie and croissants to a Chinese kelp dessert. "You don't really get to do anything like this," said Graduate Associate Evelyn Amoako, who was dressed in traditional Ghanese clothing. "Never anything in a dorm. It's really amazing to see all these students together, cooking and dressing up." The event not only allowed students to dine on great food and observe different international costumes but also encouraged conversation between students. "With a bunch of people who are in my suite, it really gave me a chance to get to know them better and know more about their culture," Engineering freshman Andrew de Montille said. Both students and staff alike thought the event was successful. "Hill is known as a really diverse environment," Hill House Dean Amy Pollock noted. "Events like these showcase and celebrate that. Food brings everyone together. Everyone is willing to try different foods and talk about their own experiences culturally." Other residents and organizers shared Pollock's enthusiasm. "Every table is filled," said College junior and Events Manager Michelle Lee early in the evening. "We have 10 tables filled and people are still cooking. You can't find an empty spot."

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