The Heersink School of Medicine is set to transform the North Pavilion Atrium into a global marketplace of flavors, traditions, and creativity with the Cultural Connections Food Fair on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 4:30 p.m.
This highly anticipated event invites faculty, staff, students, and their families to an evening of food, music, and cultural appreciation, celebrating the cultures that define Heersink.
Celebrating food, culture, and connection
While walking through the fair, attendees will experience sights, sounds, and flavors from across the globe as each department hosts a table reflecting its unique cultural influences. Expect to see decorated spaces adorned with handcrafted artifacts and symbolic artwork, all chosen to tell a deeper story about the cultures represented. Some teams may even go a step further, wearing traditional attire that adds to the authenticity of their displays.
Then, there’s the food—the true heart of the event. Tables will be filled with dishes that carry deep personal and cultural significance, from family recipes passed down for generations to regional specialties that define a homeland. Attendees may sample fragrant curries, delicate pastries, hearty stews, or sweet confections, each bite offering a taste of tradition and an opportunity to learn more about colleagues' heritage and history.
Beyond the food and décor, the atrium will be filled with live music from Geni Skendo & The Astronauts of Albania. Their unique sound—a fusion of jazz, world music, and Albanian influences—will provide the perfect backdrop, adding a special touch to the festive atmosphere.
A friendly competition with a lasting purpose
While the event primarily celebrates culture and community, a little friendly competition adds to the excitement. Each department will compete for the title of “Best Table,” with a panel of judges evaluating flavor, presentation, table design, and creativity.
Win or lose, every department’s participation is a victory in itself. By the end of the competition, faculty, staff, and students will have deeper bonds with colleagues through the collaborative effort of planning and preparing a table, discovering new aspects of their colleagues’ backgrounds, and building a sense of unity that extends far beyond the fair.
More than a food fair: A warm welcome to future residents
The Cultural Connections Food Fair also serves as the official kickoff for Second Look, an event welcoming prospective residents who are visiting campus. For these applicants, the fair offers an authentic glimpse into the culture at Heersink, showcasing our academic excellence and commitment to community and engagement.
By attending, faculty, staff, and students actively contribute to creating a welcoming environment where future colleagues can see firsthand that Heersink is not just a place to train, but a place to belong.
Join the celebration
With over 300 attendees expected, the Cultural Connections Food Fair promises to be an unforgettable evening. Whether attendees come to support their department’s table, explore global flavors, or enjoy an evening of music and camaraderie, this is an event not to be missed.
Bring an appetite, curiosity, and sense of adventure—we look forward to seeing what each department brings to the table!