A Look Ahead into the Semester
This semester students, staff and the community have the opportunity to try new cuisines, learn traditional dances and be engrossed in a play that blends adventure, history and comedy.
From the Ruby Ball to Asian Lunar New Year, the 2020 Spring Semester will include some of the largest events of the year.
MLK Day
This month, the Gallagher Center and the CDC is hosting their annual week-long celebration to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with service and festivities such as an open mic night on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Center for Diversity and Community and a screening of Just Mercy film on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Coyote Twin Theater.
Ruby Ball
The Union of African American Students (UAAS) will host their Second Annual Ruby Ball held in the Muenster University Center Ballroom on Feb. 8. The Ruby Ball, Marcus Destin UAAS President said, is an opportunity for students and faculty to enjoy a lively evening where they can dress up, dance and unify as a community. The money from the event will be raised for Dakotathon as well.
“It’s a safe inclusive and welcoming environment where a person can be themselves and dress up for a night filled with fun, performances, and great food,” Destin said.
Asian Lunar New Year
On Feb. 11, the Asian American Student Association will be hosting their Asian Lunar New Year celebration. Students and faculty can get a taste of the Asian culture through musical performances and food, Patle said.
“Our main focus is to educate the community on what the celebration is about and celebrate each other’s culture,” Patle said. “This is the reason why we are here at USD-to learn about other cultures.”
African Night
The African American Student Association (AASA) will host their annual African Night event on March 22 this year. African Night is a night to show other people who are not from African backgrounds a new perspective, Ashley Charlie, Vice President of the AASA said. This event, she said, is a chance for those who come from each country to represented to share their culture-food, art, fashion, music and drama.
“For me, personally, African Night is a great way for other people to understand where I come from,” Charlie said. “Education is vital in an African American household so having other people know why I think the way I do is nice.”
Festival of Nations
Every year, the USD International Club hosts the Festival of Nations, this year it will be held on March 29. This year there will be new performances, a variety of foods and games at the annual celebration. Yuzina Subedi, President of International Students Club said this event lets the community experience cultures from all over the world as well as reconnect with past students and faculty.
“Festival of Nations is a celebration of very diverse countries,” Subedi said. “People are able to connect with new people through trying new food and dancing traditional dances such as Rain Dance.”
Theater Productions
Some of the upcoming theater productions this spring include Men on Boats, the annual Ron L. Moyer One-Act Festival and The Drowsy Chaperone. The productions are free for USD students to attend and offer an opportunity to experience something new, Raimondo Genna, Coordinator for BFA Theater Studies said.
“These are great events each in their own right, filled with amazing student talent from directing to acting to designing and crewing the show,” Genna said.
Festival of Holi
The Festival of Holi, celebrated in April at USD, is a way for students to learn about a new culture, especially for those who will be studying abroad, Naivetya Patle, President of the Asian American Student Association said. The event, she said helps relieve stress and lets friends can connect over unique cuisines and games.
“Festival of Holi is a way for students to celebrate the beginning of spring by having tons of fun,” Patle said. “For international students, this is a way for them to feel at home away from home.”
Wacipi
Tiospaye Student Council’s 48th Wacipi, a pow-wow featuring traditional Native American singing and dancing, will take place this April. Each year the event features several dances, drumming and ceremonies all to help those who are hurting to heal.
The Volante will be covering these events and more this semester. Follow us on social media, @the_Volante on Instagram and @thevolante on Twitter to keep up to date with what is happening at USD.
