A world could be seen from one’s view at the “Postcards From Home,” 25th International Ethnic Fest, March 16-19, 2009, at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus. This was a free, four-day event that provided insights about many different cultures along with some insights on the issues and opportunities of immigration in 2009. This educational event celebrated the diversity at MATC with the help of different organizations, such as the International Student Organization (ISO), ESL Department, Office of Student Life, Veterans Club and Latino Student Organization.
At least three presentations occurred on each day. On March 16, the presentation on Colombia by MATC Business student Giovanna Doll started the day. It ended with a presentation on Venezuela by Economics instructor and President of AFT Local 212 Michael Rosen. The main focus of the day was to discuss the issues and opportunities of immigration in 2009, presented by director of Milwaukee Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly INS), Kay Leopold. After the immigration presentation, ESL student Juan Soto and Assistant Director of Voces de la Frontera, Jeanne Geraci, provided information on what their organization does for immigrants.
On the second day, Telecommunications staff Lourdes Ruta, and Multicultural staff Ay Moua presented Postcards from the Philippines and Laos, respectively. The most favorable part of the day was an Ethiopian Fashion Show by Ethiopian Nursing students. According to member Alexandra Topping, of the Planning Committee, it was a unique event that highlighted Ethiopian culture. Along with the fashion show, the students served their Ethiopian coffee and homemade bread to the audience.
On March 18, the first two presentations were of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia by MATC Reference Librarian Catherine Adebokun and MATC Anesthesiology Technician student Ali Alasmari, respectively. The day ended with a panel discussion on the postcards and products across borders, and of Fair Trade, Sweatshops, and Buying with Conscience.
A panel discussion on the Impact of the War in Iraq began the last day of the event. It was
followed by the annual ESL International Flag Parade. In the parade, the students delighted in their ethnic pride. Lastly, the event ended with live tropical music, singing and dancing provided by the band “Fuego Musical.”
This event brought an awareness of the ESL Department of MATC. According to Topping, there are over 600 ESL students attending this semester at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus alone, and there are more ESL students at other campuses. There are over 40 languages spoken at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus.
“Although publicity for International Ethnic Week came out late, the Planning Committee believes it was one of the best productions ever. The quality of the sessions was outstanding, the variety of the events was exceptional and the attendance and participation were remarkable,” Topping commented.
She would like to thank Bill Quirmbach and Cynthia Jill Cherney, ISO advisor for “organizing the logistics, the workshops, the budget and for doing the endless paperwork.
The parade moved through several hallways at the Downtown Campus. (Bob Hanson)
