Above: The Togo representatives shows off their booth at the World Cultures Festival held at St. Ambrose. Photo courtesy of Jess Vargas.

On Sunday, March 30th, world cultures filled the Rogalski Center ballroom with both community members and SAU students for the annual World Cultures Festival, hosted by the World Affairs Council. This vibrant event offered a unique and enriching opportunity to explore and celebrate cultures from around the globe—all under one roof. Organizers of the event claimed there were more attendees and booths this year compared to last year.

SAU Communications Professor, Dr. Jim Baumann says, “It is important for SAU to host the World Cultures Festival because it brings light to the different cultures we have in the community and highlights the diversity in the area. It is a good opportunity to introduce students to new cultures.”

SAU Political Science Professor, Dr. Duk Kim adds, “QC World Cultures Festival at St. Ambrose is more than just an event. It’s an opportunity for our campus and community to come together, celebrate diversity, and learn from one another. 

“It gives students, faculty, and visitors a unique opportunity to experience different traditions, customs, and perspectives firsthand, which is so important in today’s interconnected world.

“Events like this spark conversations, help us appreciate cultural differences, and remind us that diversity makes us stronger. More than anything, it reinforces the idea that while we all come from different backgrounds, we share a common space and rely on one another to shape the world we live in.”

Click here to watch Evie Breitbach’s coverage of The World Cultures Festival.

SAU junior and political science major Dora DeLaCruzMartinez says, “It fosters understanding and respect for different traditions, promoting inclusivity and broadening perspectives.” 

SAU senior, Aniecia Goss also adds, “It is important to display the diversity that the campus offers. I think it is nice to have a variety of cultures shown together in one room for students to connect with and see how complex and beautiful these cultures are. 

Above: SAU political science and communication majors celebrating diversity. Photo courtesy of Hesham Goodman.

There is a wide variety of cultures present on campus, but they do not always get the attention they deserve. I think SAU hosting the world cultures affair because of the awareness it brings to the students here.”

A SAU political science major, Hesham Goodman believes it is important to participate in cultural practices. “I see that someone’s culture as their identity, who they are… without a cultural practice, some individuals may be at risk of losing and forgetting their core values.”

Cultures Showcased

The World Cultures Festival not only presented the cultures through booth displays, but also showcased the present cultures through music and heritage dance performances. 

Dr. Duk Kim says he was impressed, “Each performer had clearly spent an enormous amount of time and effort preparing for their performances, and it showed in the passion and energy they brought to the stage. Every performance was unique and special, a true testament to the richness of diversity in our community.”

Aniecia says she was most excited to see the Togo display. “The complex and unique culture they have is beautiful.” Their table had a variety of objects reflecting their culture, such as bracelets, necklaces, key chains depicting objects from their culture, figurines and statues, and spices from their home country. “I was very intrigued and definitely took a business card so that I could stop by their shop.”

Read about more of the cultures represented at the festival in the report by Bradley Thiessen Cooper.

Importance

According to Greenheart International, cultural exchanges refers to the sharing of different ideas, traditions, and knowledge with someone who may be coming from a completely different background. We spoke with organizors and students on why they believe cultural exchange  is important to the world we live in today. 

Dr. Duk Kim adds, “As citizens of this country, we are part of a diverse civil society where people of different backgrounds contribute to the social, political, and economic foundation of our nation.

Cultural exchange strengthens this foundation by fostering civic engagement and reinforcing the values of inclusivity and cooperation. It also aligns with the principle of popular sovereignty—the idea that the power of a nation comes from its people. By embracing cultural diversity and encouraging dialogue, we actively participate in shaping a society that values and respects all voices, making our democracy stronger and more representative of the people it serves.

Aniecia focused more on the recent DEI situation. “With many policies concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion being passed and or overturned, it is important for people to see, understand, and bond with those different then them to ensure that the world does not go back in time to a more prejudiced, discriminatory, and racist world.”

Dora DeLaCruzMartinez says, “Cultural exchange is important because it helps people understand and appreciate each other’s differences. It breaks down misunderstandings and stereotypes, making it easier to connect with others. In today’s world, it promotes peace and cooperation between different communities and countries.”

Dr. Jim Baumann says he believes it is important to understand cultural exchange. “Based upon the globalized world, it is to better understand each other.”

The ballroom is filled with the cultures of the world. Photo courtesy of Jess Vargas.

In conclusion, it is key to understand and acknowledge the world’s cultures especially in today’s world. Events like the World Cultures Fair, promote mutual respect amongst cultures. It also is a great way to preserve a heritage.