July 20, 2005

Hawkins Hall extends international hand to conference attendees

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Hawkins Hall dinner will bring residents and summer conference attendees together in an attempt to foster international understanding.

The hall will offer an international picnic at 5:30 p.m. July 24 on the hall's front lawn. It is open to all current residents as well as all non-students who are staying in the hall while participating in a conference at Purdue. In case of rain, the event will move inside to the Boiler Metro Lounge.

The dinner will include a range of foods from around the globe. Entrees will include Indian chicken paneer butter masala, Chinese tofu in brown sauce, and Nigerian plantains, as well as assorted side dishes and desserts.

"Hawkins Hall not only has a very international group of residents, but also a very international staff," said Ruchi Saria, an Indian native who will be a senior in economics this fall. "This event is a way to bring together people from different cultures to experience each other's food and learn about each other. It also gives us a chance to reach out to our guests who are staying in Hawkins and attending conferences at Purdue."

The hall's 790 residents – mostly graduate students – represent more than 50 countries.

In addition to food, the event will feature music and games, including volleyball, Frisbees and cards.

"The end of the summer is almost here, and this is a party to celebrate," Saria said. "Everyone has picnics with hamburger and potato chips. We are having a picnic that will also help to educate people about their neighbors."

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Source: Jennifer Nordland, residential life manager, (765) 494-7187, nordland@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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