The Multicultural and International Student Association (MISA) is the most diverse student club on the OSUIT campus. MISA encourages understanding and acceptance of all cultures from around the world. The club was established to support awareness, respect, and exchange of cultural diversity. MISA creates a positive and welcoming environment for students and employees of all countries and cultures. Both U.S. students and international students are members of MISA. The club promotes cultural events and activities to broaden the experience and perspective of all members.
MISA is where cultures connect!
Ethnic food, dancing and displays will highlight the Annual International Extravaganza at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. The event is sponsored by OSUIT’s Multicultural International Students Association (MISA) and by the Student Life office of International Affairs. This free event is open to the public.
Poorna Selvaraja of Malaysia is president of MISA and says the club has arranged for 4 restaurants to bring in samples of international cuisines: Taj-the Flavor (Indian), Lanna Thai, FuWa Asian Kitchen, and Hy-Lee Chinese Buffet. “All visitors are invited to sample as many dishes as they want,” says Selvaraja. “The International Extravaganza will be a good experience for local people to be able to be a part of the global world.”
Multi-cultural performances are also planned. They include a demonstration of Bharatanatyam, the colorful, expressive classical dance native to India; a Native American stomp dance; a Mariachi Band; and the Tulsa Folk Dancers. Selvaraja says the public is invited to participate in some of the dances.
Students will also be performing songs and stories from their native countries. They will also have displays featuring artifacts from their homelands.
Forty-two OSUIT students are members of MISA, coming from countries such as Kenya, Gambia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Brazil, UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, Republic of South Korea, and Estonia.
The event is set for Tuesday, October 11 from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm on the OSUIT campus. The location is the outdoor “Kite” activity mall just west of the Grady Clack Administration Center. For further information, contact Dr. Randall Beckloff at 918-293-4998.
