The Journal

Issue date: 12/2/04 Section: News

Media Credit: NICK LUCCHESI / The Journal [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: NICK LUCCHESI / The Journal Above: Senior Jimpei Tami takes a break from traditional Japanese calligraphy at the Japanese booth in the UC commons Nov. 18. Below: Sophomores Kathryn Leeker (left) and Ashlie Styer (right) dance a traditional Indian dance. Leeker said she found Hinduism when she was 12 and became a vegetarian.Above: Senior Jimpei Tami takes a break from traditional Japanese calligraphy at the Japanese booth in the UC commons Nov. 18. Below: Sophomores Kathryn Leeker (left) and Ashlie Styer (right) dance a traditional Indian dance. Leeker said she found Hinduism when she was 12 and became a vegetarian. [Click to enlarge]

"¡Festival!," one of the highest-attended events during Webster University's International Week, grouped Webster students from more than 15 nations in the UC Commons Nov. 18.

Students dressed in the traditional garb of their countries and played music from contemporary techno to customary songs. Each country had a table or a booth set up with informational literature about their country, and more than 50 people were crowded into the UC Commons at the height of the event.

Bongoza Mabhongo, a senior who is spending her second semester at the Webster Groves campus, said her home country of South Africa has a very promising future and plans to return upon graduation

"It is the youngest and best democracy in the world," Mabhongo said. "I'm so proud of my country."

Not every student participating in the cross-cultural fair was from another country. Kathryn Leeker, a sophomore, was born in the United States, but was attracted to Hinduism and Indian culture around age 12. Leeker, dressed in traditional Indian clothing, danced with passersby and helped dress students in traditional Indian wear.

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