This Global Spotlight event, held in the Ragan Theater was organized in ocollaboration with the Department of Languages & Cultures and highlighted diverse cultures and expressions of language of our UVU community through song, dance, sign language, and the spoken world. 

In collaboration with the UVU Chinese Language department, we celebrated Chinese New Year in the UVU Grand Ballroom.  Six high schools - Timpview, Orem, Sky Ridge, Westlake, Lone Peak and Springville - participate in the event along with UVU students and members of the community. Many aspects of Chinese culture were shared including musical and dance performances. 

This Global Spotlight event was a collaboration with the Russian Language Program in the Department of Languages & Cultures. Dr. Fred White and Amy Barnett (from the Office for Global Engagement) shared their expreiences using thier Russian language skills in a variety of jobs and volunteer positions. It was great opportunity for UVU students to ask questions and get career ideas. There was an assortment of Russian treats to sample, as well. 

On January 25 in CB 511, Japanese Language Program teacher, Yasuko Saito, led this cultural event to share Japanese New Year traditions with UVU. An estimated 230 students, staff and faculty enjoyed food and games for the holiday. Domo arigato!

Gandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden, Snegurochka, passed out treats to excited children of all ages at the Old New Year Celebration at UVU on January 12. The Old New Year, or the Orthodox New Year, is an informal traditional holiday, celebrated as the start of the New Year by the Julian calendar (January 14). It was a fabulous chance for UVU students and members of the local community to share this Slavic tradition. 

Honorary Consul of France in Utah, Anne Lair, met with UVU French language students and shared her insights and impressions about France's role in supporting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her presentation was given in French. 

Peter Sewakiryanga, executive director of Kyampisi Childcare Ministries, was invited to David Ssejinga's World History Class to speak on his work combating child trafficking in Uganda. Students from the Social Work department also joined the audience. There were over 60 in attendence. 

On  October 12, executive director of the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Juan Pascua, gave a presentation on business opportinities for the hispanic community in Utah. Spanish teaher, Mari de Dios, hosted Mr. Pascua to her class. The lecture was given in Spanish. 

Our first Global Spotlight event of the semester was the Kyrgyz Republic - Utah IT Forum on September 29. This event was a networking oppurtunity between students from the College of Engineering and Technology and over 15 software company leaders visiting Utah from the Kyrgyz Republic. 

This Peruvian cultural event was a collaboration between the Office for Global Engagement and the Honorary Consulate of Peru in Utah. Guest artists from Peru retold the story of the foundation of the Inca Empire by the Four Ayar brothers and the Pata Pata Tarpuy Raymi. The event was opened up to include the  local Peruian community who filled the Grand Ballroom.  The presenttion was given in Spanish and Quechua.

For this Global Spotlight sponsored event, attention turned to the United Kingdom and the celebration of Darwin Day.  Dr. Joseph L. Graves, professor of biological science at North Carloina Agricultural and Technical State University gave the keynote adress. In celebration of Darwin's birthday, enough cake for 200 was passed out in the Science Atrium.

UVU Russian language students joined members of the local community from Ukraine, Armenia, Russia and other former Soviet republics to celebrate the Old New Year on January 13.  Food, song, games and a visit by Grandfather Frost and Snegurochka filled the evening with fun. This traditional dating of the New Year is sometimes commonly called "Orthodox" because it harks back to a time when governments in Russia and Eastern Europe used the Julian calendar, which is still used by some jurisdictions of the Eastern Orthodox Church. 

On April 28 at 7:00 pm in the UVU Grand Ballroom, the Office for Global Engagement, in conjunction with the City of Cusco in Peru and the Consulate of Peru, celebrated the most significant Incan festival of the Andean Calendar, the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival). This is the first time in their history that this celebration was held outside of Peru.

Dr. Francis Edward Su
Benediktsson-Karwa
Professor of Mathematics Harvey Mudd College

"The deep connection between mathematics and human desires show why people in every culture around the globe do mathematics, not just to build things and conduct commerce, but for enjoyment and exploration."

International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind. UNESCO believes education, based on the first language or mother tongue, must begin from the early years as early childhood care and education is the foundation of learning.