LU One and ISC Host Taste of Nations Event

Global Focus Week concluded with LU ONE and the International Student Center’s Taste of Nations event Sept. 27 in the Vines Center, which allowed students to try foods from
other nationalities.

Students were greeted with cuisine provided by volunteers to celebrate the cultures represented on Liberty University’s campus. Taste of Nations, which has been happening for the past 34 years, gives students the opportunity to share their culture with their peers.

“Taste of Nations is just an awesome opportunity to see the diversity here at Liberty … and get to meet people from all different countries,” Melissa Harris, LU ONE’s director of communications and branding, said.   

International students, missionary kids and other student volunteers prepared authentic dishes from 23 different countries and brought them to Taste of Nations. At the event, there were rows upon rows of tables set up for each country represented. Students moved throughout the arena to try samples of the authentic dishes that were presented.

Victoria Franzen, a student from South Africa, voiced her excitement for representing her country at Taste of Nations.

“Just being here and celebrating culture and heritage and the countries around the world is so special,” Franzen said. “I’m excited for everyone to have a piece of my home specifically.”

Tayla Butler, a senior and representative of The Bahamas, said “being able to spend time with (fellow) Bahamians and having community putting food together” is her favorite part of the event every year.

Students who attended the event engaged with the cultures by trying the variety of dishes offered at Taste of Nations.

“The food has been really good. … It’s been really exciting to see all the different cultures and all the different foods,” said freshman Caitlyn Cornell.

Because the food was provided on a “first come, first serve” basis, most of the dishes were gone within the first hour of the event.

“We were out (of food) in the first 30 minutes,” Butler said.

However, food was only a part of what Taste of Nations had to offer. Musical performances by Libertad, LU Praise, Korean Church Youth and Pololo also entertained attendees. These performances were in several languages and allowed students to go on the floor near the stage to enjoy the music.

In between performances, students from Brazil, Belize and Cuba shared about their culture and the dish they were serving at the event.

Taste of Nations brought a time of celebration and community to the Vines Center that was enjoyed by both those working the event and attendees.

“It’s a once in a year opportunity to get the chance to indulge yourself in different cultures. If you go, you will really enjoy it,” Harris said.

Taste of Nations would not be possible without the organization of LU ONE and its volunteers. To get involved with LU ONE and its other events, students can attend the upcoming Fireside Chat on October 21 or the International Education Week events taking place during the week of November 18. To volunteer for LU ONE, email luone@liberty.edu.

Lunney is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion.