News Release

CultureFest returns to the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus on Thursday, Nov. 11, with a 10-day schedule of events to recognize and promote understanding about various cultures from around the world.

Under the theme "The Whole World in Our Hands," the 18th annual student-run festival will feature a variety of events designed to encourage students to learn about the heritage of other ethnic groups, its organizers said. This year's theme was chosen to emphasize the diversity of Johns Hopkins students, faculty and staff.

"We want to help the Hopkins community spread diversity and we hope these events encourage people to express their cultural identities," said co-chair Isimenmen Oribabor, 19, a sophomore majoring in public health studies. She is from Pennsauken, N.J., and is of Kenyan- Nigerian descent.

Said co-chair Edward Chan, "This year, we are trying to get all the smaller, newer cultural groups on campus involved in the events." Chan, 21, is a senior majoring in biomedical engineering. He is from Kennett Square, Pa., and his family is from Hong Kong.

The CultureFest committee is co-sponsoring the following events with several groups on campus. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, e-mail culturefest@jhu.edu or visit www.jhu.edu/culturefest/.

Thursday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m.
Levering Hall Glass Pavilion
Opening Ceremony featuring speaker Ralph Johnson, associate dean of Student Life and director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

Friday, Nov. 12, 10 p.m.
Mattin Center's Offit Building, Silk Road Cafe
International Art Gallery displaying several different pieces of art. Exotic teas will be served. Co-sponsored by Coffee Grounds.

Saturday, Nov. 13, 8 p.m.
Shriver Hall Auditorium
Culture Show featuring performances by several different student cultural groups.

Monday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Hodson Hall Auditorium
Movie Night: Two showings of Bend it Like Beckham.

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m.
Shriver Hall Auditorium
Indian Classical Dance Show

Thursday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
Alumni Memorial Residence Hall I, Multipurpose Room
North Korea and South Korea round table discussion.

Friday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m.
Levering Hall Glass Pavilion
Caribbean Cultural Society Beauty Pageant.

Saturday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m.
Levering Hall Great Hall
Student Diversity Seminar

7 p.m.
Levering Hall Glass Pavilion
Closing Ceremony. Free tickets are required and can be picked up starting Nov. 11 at the Office of Muliticultural Student Affairs, Mattin Center 210.