Ever wondered what it’s like to celebrate Diwali, experience a dragon dance, or enjoy a potluck of flavors from around the world—all without leaving campus? The Ethnic Student Council (ESC) is your gateway to exploring the rich cultural tapestry woven by its student body.
ESC at Stevens plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural unity and celebrating diversity on campus. By collaborating with active cultural organizations, ESC fosters an inclusive space where students can celebrate, learn, and share their unique cultural experiences and backgrounds. Throughout the semester, ESC hosts a variety of events, with two of the biggest being the Global Gala in the fall and Unity in the spring.
Upcoming Events
ESC’s calendar is filled with exciting opportunities for students to engage in cultural exchanges. Here are a few highlights of their current schedule:
- October 7: Game Night – This carnival-style event features games brought by different cultural organizations, exposing students to fun traditions from around the world.
- October 22: Global Gala – Hosted in Bissinger at 9:15 p.m., this vibrant fashion show allows clubs to showcase their culture through clothing and performances.
- November 19: ESC Thanksgiving – A potluck-style gathering where cultural organizations share food from their respective countries, with fun games and karaoke that were a crowd favorite last year.
Students can stay updated on all these events and more by following ESC on Instagram (@esc_stevens)!
Meet the Cultural Orgs
ESC works closely with a wide array of cultural organizations at Stevens. Here’s a spotlight on some of the most active clubs:
- BSU: Black Student Union (@bsu_stevens) — The Black Student Union is dedicated to fostering community and raising awareness of political, economic, and social issues affecting Black people. It is known for major events like Wild N’ Out, Black History Month events, and the Ebony Gala.
- CSA: Chinese Student Association (@csa.stevens) — CSA is all about food, people, and rich heritage. From Dim Sum Night to Lunar New Year celebrations, CSA brings Chinese culture to the forefront. Look out for their iconic dragon dance performances at ESC events!
- FAST: Filipino Association of Student Tech (@fast_family) — FAST lives up to its motto of “Friends, Family, Food” by creating a home away from home for Filipino students through its mentor-mentee program and bonding events like Carnival, Big Little Night, and the infamous Halo Halo-ween where students learn to make their halo-halo dessert on October 29th!
- SASA: South Asian Student Association (@stevenssasa) — Formerly known as the Indian Undergraduate Association, SASA celebrates South Asian traditions through lively festivals like Diwali and Holi. If you missed Garba last weekend, don’t worry — SASA has plenty more events filled with dance, food, and culture.
- JSA: Japanese Student Association (@jsa_sit) — Whether you have ties to Japan or simply an interest in the culture, JSA welcomes all students to their events, which include social hangouts and cultural activities to foster a deeper appreciation of Japanese traditions.
- KSA: Korean Student Association (@sit.ksa) — For students interested in Korean culture, KSA offers fun trips to Koreatown, general body meetings, and activities that showcase Korean food, history, and skincare. They aim to foster an understanding of Korean culture through their interactive events.
- LAA: Latin American Association (@laa_sit) — LAA, one of the largest Latinx organizations on campus, connects students to Latin American culture through food, music, and games. If you attended Chip & Dip, you might still be thinking about their delicious churros!
- MESA: Middle Eastern Student Association (@stevens_mesa) — MESA brings Middle Eastern culture to campus through events like Mosaic Night, Game Card, and Dabke Dances. The club is all about fun, laughter, and delicious food, making it a popular destination for students looking to explore Middle Eastern traditions.
Each of these cultural organizations is active on Instagram, making it the best platform to stay updated on their upcoming events, meetings, and activities. So be sure to follow them and keep an eye out for their latest happenings on campus!
