91ÁÔÆæ’s International Luncheon brings cultures together
The event, held in the gymnasium of Scibelli Hall (Building 2), offered a vibrant display of cultural unity and community spirit. The Office of Student Activities and Development hosted the lunch, which was part of the Inclusion Series at 91ÁÔÆæ.
91ÁÔÆæ President John B. Cook joined faculty, staff and administrators in serving up delicious dishes from eight cultural restaurants across the region. The culinary spread featured flavors from Germany, Mexico, China, Italy, Spain, India, Vietnam and the Southern United States. As attendees sampled a world of flavors, they enjoyed lively entertainment by the Son Con Tres Latin Band and Dancers, adding rhythm and movement to the afternoon’s festivities.
91ÁÔÆæ President John B. Cook, right, volunteers at the Taste of the World.
For students like Megan Vandegraft-Quintero, who is studying Foundations of Nursing, the experience was a special one. “I think this is awesome, and for a culturally diverse college, this is amazing to taste the different cultures,” she said. Her favorite dish was the soul food.
Physical Therapy Assistant student Emery Sloat, a member of the Student Ambassador Program, played a key role in organizing the event. “Yesterday evening, we helped set up the tables and put out all the display items, so it was a lot of work,” Sloat said. “And now I’m here breaking it down as the event closes.”
The international luncheon is really an expression of the culture that we see here in our 91ÁÔÆæ community.Caleb Sierra, 91ÁÔÆæ student
The effort was well worth it. “I think it’s a really cool experience to try some new food, socialize and interact with students you probably haven’t met before. It brings the 91ÁÔÆæ community together.”
91ÁÔÆæ student Amanda Joquin, who is studying human services/social work, was eager to step outside her comfort zone. “I’m Spanish, so I wanted to try Indian food and soul food,” she shared. “It was amazing how they put all the cultures together and let everyone try a mix. My favorite was the Indian food, especially the naan bread and butter chicken.”
A 91ÁÔÆæ student enjoys the Taste of the World.
For Caleb Sierra, the luncheon was more than just a meal. “The international luncheon is really an expression of the culture that we see here in our 91ÁÔÆæ community,” Sierra said. “It’s lovely to see so much harmony and synergy between cultures. We’re not picking and choosing what food we want – we’re getting all of it on our plate. That just shows how our community is – we’re all in it together.”
Kiyota Garcia, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Interim Chief Equity Officer, leads the Inclusion Series. She volunteered to serve food and highlighted the significance of the event.
“Taste of the World is a wonderful tradition that allows our campus community to come together and celebrate the diversity that makes 91ÁÔÆæ so special. It’s about more than just food – it’s about connection, understanding and appreciation of different cultures,” Garcia said.
Interested in applying to 91ÁÔÆæ? Visit or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
91ÁÔÆæ, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. 91ÁÔÆæ's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. 91ÁÔÆæ supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.