Classes resumed at Park University for the spring semester and the Park International Club wanted to be the first to welcome students back. For weeks the club spent time planning an event that allowed students time to relax and have fun before diving deep into the books.

Friday, January 19, the Park Avenue Underground was filled with music, games, prizes and food.

“My favorite part was getting to see all different types of cultures and people come together and have a good time,” said Kenzie Lawson, senior marketing major.

That is exactly what the International Club intended to do with the back-to-school bash. Ikem Eriobuna, Senior international business major and President of the International Club, started the group in hopes to bring students from all over the world together. He has been successful in doing so by hosting events like the bash that allow students to unwind and get to know each other in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. Something Eriobuna said he struggled with when he first came to Park.

“What I saw when I was back home about coming to the United States wasn’t what I witnessed my first week here,” said Eriobuna. “After being here a while and seeing new international students I felt like they were going through the same thing I did which motivated me to start the International Club.”  In just two semesters the club has accumulated 72 members.

With his passion for bringing students together he knew he wanted to host an event the first week back to school to welcome all students.

“I took a big stand in saying we had to do it, and the executive board gave us the go ahead,” said Eriobuna. From there the planning process began, and flyers went out.

Staff advisor and International Program Coordinator at Park University Michael House said he believes this was the perfect time to host the event because not much is happening on campus early in the spring semester.

“So many events happen in the fall, so International Club wanted to host something the first week back to school,” said House.

Sodexo provided brownies, salsa and lemonade for students to enjoy while also singing and dancing. Eriobuna gathered students to the dance floor to dance to iconic songs such as “YMCA” and “Sweet Caroline.” Students also came together to play oversized Jenga, corn hole and video games.

Not only did the International Club provide games and food, they gave away prizes. What college student doesn’t love free stuff?

When students showed up to the event, they were given a raffle ticket, and winners were announced every 30 minutes. Students won Park hats, hoodies, blankets, Amazon gift cards and Barnes and Noble gift cards.

The International Club hopes to host more events like this in the future. Eriobuna wants students to allow their culture and diverse qualities shine. To feature the diversity of Park students, the club is working towards hosting an international cooking night where students can come learn about food from other cultures. The International Club meets every Thursday in Thompson Commons from 4-5 p.m. It’s open to all students. Email Eriobuna for more information at [email protected].