Tonight the Smith Memorial Student Union will be the cultural center of Portland, as the 33rd annual International Night will bring representatives from over 80 countries to entertain and educate Portland State and the surrounding community.
The annual event is organized by several groups, including the Portland State Office of International Affairs and International Student Life, and is intended to showcase the myriad of cultures coexisting on campus and within Portland.
Jill Townley, international student life coordinator, assisted in gathering talent for the event, which will span three floors in SMSU.
“This year is one of our most diverse entertainment packages,” Townley said. “We are trying to get as many different country and country regions as part of the night as possible.”
The event will open with an international feast, and plenty of opportunity to examine more than 20 cultural booths representing international student groups and nonprofit organizations.
“What’s great about International Night is that we can incorporate the best of all of the cultural nights,” Townley said.
The entertainment portion will open with a filmed speech from Portland State President Wim Wiewel, and will continue with music and dancing from a vast array of nations, culminating with a performance from the Lions of Batucada, a favorite Portland samba ensemble.
The night will also include an extensive fashion show with over 70 volunteers, mainly students, modeling traditional garb from all over the world in an effort to further educate the Portland State community.
“At one single event you are able to see the broad depth of what we have at Portland State,” Townley said.
International Night
When: Friday, May 22, 5-10:30 p.m.
Where: Smith Memorial Student Union
Tickets: Available at the door, $10 for Portland State students, $12 non-students
Contact: Office of International Affairs at www.oia.pdx.edu