Concordia Journal Home > Archives > January 14, 2010 issue >

Warming up the chilly season 

International students celebrate together far from home

Each year, Concordia helps international students adapt to their home away from home by hosting a holiday feast for those students who are facing the holidays without family, many for the first time.

On December 23, more than 250 students representing 50 different countries benefitted from the efforts of the Concordia University Alumni Association and Advancement and Alumni Relations Office. The party was held in the Nouvel Hotel and Spa.

“I’m proud to mark the 10th anniversary of offering this complimentary meal to international students who can’t go home for the holidays,” said Kathy Assayag, Concordia Vice-President, Advancement and Alumni Relations.

Along with Assayag, the university was represented at the dinner by Peter Kruyt, Chair of the Board of Governors, Noel Burke, Dean of the School of Extended Learning and Engineering and Computer Science Dean Robin Drew.

“This is a time for being with families and friends. For many of you, it’s simply not possible to think of going home for the holiday but we hope that tonight’s celebration with help to warm your hearts and that the food will help to insulate you against the winter cold,” said Provost David Graham, who attended for the first time.

The meal reflected the international theme with servings of pasta, basmati rice, chicken and lamb kebabs, hummus and baklava. The feast was topped off with a cake for the 10th anniversary of the tradition.