Color, rhythm and the aroma of international cuisine filled The Gathering Place on Feb. 21 as Marietta College welcomed a record-breaking 458 guests to its 10th annual Multicultural Festival. For three hours, members of the campus and the surrounding community gathered to celebrate global traditions brought to life through student leadership and community partnership.
Presented by the Office of Student Connections and Outreach and the Multicultural Club, with support from the Student Government Association and other campus organizations, the annual celebration invited guests to experience cultures from around the world through food, music, and performances. From the first plates served at 4 p.m. to the final raffle drawing, the evening highlighted the energy, diversity, and collaboration that make the festival a signature campus tradition.
Guests sampled a diverse array of international dishes prepared by members of the campus and local community before settling in for the evening’s program. The menu spanned more than 15 countries, including Germany, Japan, Brazil, Venezuela, Russia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mexico and Vietnam.
Tony Mayle, associate dean of students and director of Student Connections and Outreach, and President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty welcomed guests with opening remarks. Both Dougherty and Mayle praised the students who plan and execute the event each year, noting that while the College provides support, it’s the students’ vision and leadership that bring the celebration to life.
“The evening highlighted the importance of food as a cultural expression and a means of building community. Several cultures were represented through traditional dishes, with each dish reflecting the values, history, and traditions of the culture it came from,” said Beatrice Hayfron ’28. “Sharing food from the featured cultures with the campus and surrounding community was especially meaningful because food serves as a universal language. In my culture, food is central to bringing people together, fostering conversation, and creating a sense of belonging. Preparing and sharing these dishes allowed me to share a part of my cultural identity while also creating space for others to learn, connect, and appreciate cultural differences.”
Throughout the evening, performers showcased the rich diversity of global traditions, captivating the audience with dance, music and martial arts. Allegro Dance Company, an ensemble based in Pittsburgh, Pa., kicked off the evening with an authentic Italian dance performance. Marietta College student Kanae Yoshida ’26 followed with a traditional Japanese dance. The Natyapriya Indian Classical Dance School presented an intricate Indian classical performance.
“The more I understand U.S. culture, the more I realize how deeply Japanese culture is part of who I am. When I perform at the Multicultural Festival, I am not thinking about representing in a formal way. I am simply being myself and sharing something that is natural to me. The audience creates their own meaning from my performance, and sometimes guests come talk to me about their memories or personal connections with Japanese culture. Through those conversations, I learn that even one dance can mean something special to someone,” said Kanae Yoshida ’26. “One performance may not change the world, but I always find people who find meaning in it. I perform for them and do what I can for the community. I am very grateful to the faculty, club members, friends, and visitors whose curiosity and openness toward the world make these warm connections possible.”
The Ohio Valley Taekwondo Academy brought high-energy technique to the stage with a dynamic martial arts demonstration. The Ohio Samul Nori Group followed with a Korean percussion performance that echoed throughout the space. Wayward Dancers, a local troupe, entertained guests with a folk and belly dance routine. The program concluded with an African drum and dance performance by Lawrence Greene of Ugata: Drum and Dance.
Between acts, raffle winners were announced, with proceeds supporting next year’s festival. Numerous local businesses and individual donors contributed prize baskets and resources to make the evening possible.
In addition, the festival was supported by Marietta College student organizations including Global Connections, International Student Union, Brother 2 Brother, the Charles Sumner Harrison Fellows, United Women of Power, Black Student Union and LGBTQ+ Activism. Their collaboration contributed to a vibrant, inclusive celebration where guests could experience cultural traditions that reflect the festival’s commitment to global learning and community engagement.
“The Multicultural Festival at Marietta College was a tremendous success, drawing strong record-breaking attendance and visible support from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members,” said Tony Mayle, associate dean of students and director of Student Connections and Outreach. “The event showcased the power of student leadership, as student organizations dedicated months of planning to bring dynamic performances, cultural exhibits, and globally inspired cuisine to life. The overwhelming engagement and collaboration across the campus and community demonstrated our shared commitment to celebrating the different identities that strengthen our community.”
Marietta College’s annual Multicultural Festival continues to grow, drawing hundreds from across the Mid-Ohio Valley. What began years ago as a combined celebration with Lunar New Year has evolved into a signature campus event that engages and inspires the broader community with meaningful cross-cultural connection.