Some of Syracuse University’s international students will be treated to their first taste of traditional Thanksgiving fare, such as turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, during SU’s 31st annual International Thanksgiving Meal, to be held Sunday, Nov. 21, in Goldstein Auditorium in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center.

More than 400 international students and their families are expected to attend the invitation-only dinner.

The annual feast is sponsored by Hendricks Chapel, the Division of Student Affairs and the Lillian and Emanuel Slutzker Center for International Services. Turkey and the trimmings, such as dressing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, are part of the dinner, which is designed to introduce newly arrived international students to the American Thanksgiving tradition. The meal is served family style, and members of the University and greater Syracuse communities are involved as table hosts, keeping conversation lively and answering questions about the celebration.

The Rev. Tiffany Steinwert, dean of Hendricks Chapel, and Patricia A. Burak, director of the Slutzker Center, serve as co-hosts. Greetings will be offered by SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor and Cornelius B. Murphy Jr., president of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

“The International Thanksgiving Meal is an opportunity not only to share the traditions and customs of a North American Thanksgiving, but more importantly an opportunity to dialogue about the diverse ways in which people around the world celebrate and offer thanks,” says Steinwert. “Breaking bread together and sharing our stories gives us the chance to explore the rich diversity of our Syracuse University community.”

A musical performance will be given by students Yuan Zou and Ruitong Zhou, with introduction by Rongrong Cui.

Donors for this year’s celebration include: Benchmark Marketing, Bimbo Bakeries, Byrne Dairy, Johnson Paper Co., Maines Paper and Food Service, Mid-State Food Brokers, Paul deLima Co., Renzi Brothers, Samir’s Import Foods, Spectrum Food Services, Syracuse Banana Co., SU Bookstore, Sysco Foods, U.S. Foodservice, Westcott Florist and Will Poultry Co.

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