International Students Association to kick off weeklong Extravaganza

By Hasnat Aslam ’27

The International Students Association (ISA) will hold its biggest event of the year, Extravaganza, from March 31 to April 6. 

Janine Block, associate director of international student advising and support, says Extravaganza will feature diverse activities, from a soccer tournament to a food tasting, and more.

“What is really wonderful is how the week affords students from all pockets of campus the opportunity to express their identities through poetry, fashion, performance, and cuisine,” Block says.

ISA’s Extravaganza began in the 1970s when performers from outside of campus were hired for the Grand Finale. The location and scope of activities has changed over the years, and the food tasting portion of the event has grown exponentially.

“Over the years this showcase of cultures has grown into a weeklong celebration led entirely by students. I’m incredibly proud of what the ISA board puts together each year and this year is no different,” Block says.

Tanushree Sow Mondal ’25, an international affairs and economics major who serves as president of ISA, says that the ISA board has made proactive efforts to ensure participation from myriad campus cultural groups to encapsulate the diversity Lafayette harbors. 

‘“The event is a continuation of the broader mission of ISA,” says Sidath Chandrasena ’25, an engineering and international studies major who serves along with Areeb Atheeque ’25 as vice presidents of ISA. The duo organized this year’s Extravaganza. 

By enabling exhibitions of diverse cultural traditions, the event will not only allow a vibrant expression of identity, but also enhance awareness of foreign cultures on campus, Chandrasena says.

Extravaganza events

ISA World Cup

The World Cup will involve students from different parts of the world forming soccer teams based on their ethnicity or upbringing, and playing against each other!

4:30-7 p.m. Sun., March 31 • Kirby Sports Center • REGISTER

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International Poetry Night

 International Poetry Night is an event for faculty, students, and staff to read/recite any poetry of their choice (either a piece they have written themselves or a piece they enjoy) in a language other than English, as the goal of the event is to celebrate poetry from around the world, Mondal says.

4:30-6:30 p.m. Mon., April 1• Gendebien Room, Skillman Library • REGISTER

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Holi

Holi will be a joyous chance to throw and smear colored powder on friends, celebrating the Hindu Festival of Colors.

4-6 p.m. Wed., April 3 • Quad • REGISTER

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Fashion Show

 This fashion show allows Lafayette students to dress up in their most stylish, meaningful, and personal cultural clothing in order to share it with the rest of campus. Students are asked to do a walk on a runway and speak a bit about their clothing, what it means and what it is made of.

6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs., April 4 • Farinon Atrium • REGISTER

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Food Tasting

Food tasting involves 20-30 groups that will cook food from back home or their culture, and have the rest of campus try it.

5-8 p.m. Fri., April 5 • Marlo Room • REGISTER

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Grand Finale

Grand Finale is the closing act of Extravaganza Week. Here, students get to showcase their cultures, identities, and passions through various performances like comedy skits, dances, singing, instrumentals, vlogs/short films, and performances.

6-8 p.m. Sat., April 6 • Williams Center for the Arts • REGISTER

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