UIndy celebrates campus diversity
The University of Indianapolis held its 24th annual Celebration of Flags on Oct. 11 on Smith Mall at 2 p.m.
The celebration opened with an Olympic-style flag procession that recognized the 64 nations currently represented among UIndy students, faculty and staff.
“It [the Celebration of Flags] is tradition and recognizes all of the international students and staff,” said Administrative Assistant of the International Division Cora Heck.
The song “The Climb,” by Miley Cyrus, was the theme of this year’s ceremony.
“It [“The Climb”] talks about the struggles that you might not always win. In every struggle, you have got to keep trying,” Heck said.
Students were invited to display the flag of their home country in front of spectators as Department Chair and Associate Professor of Theatre Jim Ream read the names of each country.
“I went to the celebration to see all the flags, cultures and people that are here at UIndy,” said junior psychology and communication major Kathlene Denhard.
Sophomore communication major and international student from Nigeria Chidinma Naze spoke first. She recalled arriving in Indianapolis and being greeted by her sister with a box of Dunkin’ Donuts.
Students from across the world showcase their national flag during the 24th annual Celebration of Flags. The celebration theme was “The Climb,” inspired by the Miley Cyrus song. The event took place on Smith Mall. Photo by Annisa Nunn
“One bite in, and I thought, ‘This must be the good life,’” Naze said to the crowd.
She admitted that she felt like an outsider in Indiana for a while. However, Naze came to realize that the cultural diversity on campus was a force that brought students together, not apart.
“Hold your head high and continue to let your light shine bright,” she said.
Next to speak was Indianapolis Student Government President Elizabeth Jarrett. She spoke about how the community at UIndy is diverse and connective.
Last to speak was UIndy President Robert Manuel. Manuel talked about the diversity in his family, having married into a family from Haiti. He also spoke about how living in different places around the United States helped him become more diverse.
Afterwards, Polk Food Services served food from a few of the represented nations.
Manuel had never before attended the ceremony of flags, but enjoyed the annual ceremony.
“I’m experiencing all the UIndy traditions for the first time,” Manuel said. “This is an incredible tradition.”
