Cultures from around the world will come together in one room at Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Jan. 31 as the ninth annual International Scholarship Dinner is held.

Dishes and entertainment from around the world will be available, and guests will have a chance to interact one-on-one with an international student who will serve as a table host or hostess.

‘The table hosts look after guests, answer questions about their countries and decorate the tables,’ said Joy Chakraborty, coordinator of the International Student Office. ‘You have a good opportunity to interact, but you will see people from all over the world.’

Jose Olivares and Samantha Ruiz performed during the entertainment portion of the International Scholarship Dinner.

Part of the entertainment this year will be a fashion show to show guests different fashions from around the world.

‘It’s a great evening to get to see the beautiful costumes and the effort the students put into the event,’ Chakraborty said. ‘This is something I really look forward to every year.’

From left, Sabina Adeeko, Peace Ibole and Ladun Kolawale participated in the International Scholarship Dinner.

The event is always a sell-out, with around 550 tickets being sold. The dinner is held to raise scholarship money for international students who are not eligible for financial aid. About 10 scholarships are awarded every year at the event. The Student Government Association and various families sponsor a few scholarships, but the others are funded with money raised through this event.

‘We always sell out three or four days before the event,’ Chakraborty said.

Tickets are $10 for Tech students and $18 for non-students and can be purchased in the International Student Office, located in Tolliver Hall, Room 229 or by calling the ISO at (318) 257-4321. The event will begin at 5:30 in the Tonk, which is located on the first floor of the Student Center.

Written by Judith Roberts