The Brown & White

International Week 2009, "A Celebration of Diversity," started off with a bang this weekend with two events: FUSION on Saturday, and the International Week Kickoff on Sunday.

FUSION and the International Week Kickoff, along with all of the other events throughout the week, are sponsored by the Global Union. Many clubs, organizations and academic departments on campus also co-sponsored the event.

FUSION, held in Lamberton Hall, included performances by LU's Finest step team; The Lunatix, a hip-hop team; Echoes, Swing Dance and several other campus groups and individuals. The Kickoff, also held in Lamberton Hall, featured food from all around the world.

Ilya Khazen, '10, president of the Global Union, said that while some of this year's events are very similar to those of last year, there are many new events this year.

"There are a lot of clubs participating this year that have not participated in the past, and it's just so great to see that people are becoming more interested in International Week and wanting to put in the necessary hard work so that they can participate," he said.

Khazen also said that because International Week brings so many different clubs together, it is almost like a mini club fair.

"This is a great opportunity for students because it allows them to meet new people and also allows them to learn about other Lehigh clubs while participating in fun activities and having a great time," he said.

Khazen said he was excited for the International Week Kickoff and the Dance-A-Thon.

"The Kickoff is always amazing just because it draws a large crowd and because it gives you a taste of everything that is to come for the week," he said. "The Dance-A-Thon is another great thing that the Global Union has helped to organize. I'm sure it will bring in a lot of people, and it will be tons of fun."

Khazen said other exciting events that will bring in a lot of people are the annual Diwali show, and events that involve dancing, such as learning to salsa or tango.

Khazen said that International Week ends with the annual Diwali show because it is the largest cultural event at Lehigh.

It is hosted by the Indian Students Association (ISA) and has won the Lehigh's Student Life Leadership Award for the Best Cultural Program for the past few years, the ISA's Web site said.

However, there are certainly many educational events that are taking place this week, including a trip to the United Nations in New York City.

Noell Cho, '12, said she attended some of the events last year and had a great time.

This year, Cho said she is particularly interested in the cultural dance shows.

"I'm really excited for things like the Dance-A-Thon because they are so much fun," she said. "I also really hope that I have time in my busy schedule this week for things like the salsa and tango workshops."

Michaela Terrell, '13, said she is really excited to explore some of the events planned for this year.

"I really hope that I'll have the opportunity to attend a lot of these events because I've heard that they're a lot of fun," she said. "I think I would most like to go to the Dance-A-Thon, but it's going to be so hard to decide which events to go to because there are so many great options."