........IVSA’s ‘Around the World’ Dinner - A Taste of SGU Diversity!

Do you ever wonder what the world actually consumes? At least for attendees, the International Veterinary Students Association (IVSA) voided that wonder all in one evening at their ‘Around the World’ Dinner held this past Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the St. George’s University Alumni Hall, True Blue Campus. The dinner, a celebration of cultural diversity in cuisine, brought culinary delights from the corners of the globe to the dinner table for sampling by the SGU community. Whether taste buds were longing for some Spanish rice or whether attendees had a sweet tooth for Hungarian desserts, IVSA brought it to the table.

Approximately thirty students prepared dishes representing a part of their culture. A few of the countries and states represented were; Italy - Pasta Dinner; Hungary - Hungarian Rice and Raisins; Ireland - Shepherd’s Pie; England - Pasta Salad; Spain - Spanish Rice; Vietnam - Vietnamese Curry and Rice;  China – Potstickers; Texas - Texan Chili; and New England - Salsa Chowder. There was also a chance to experience each culture through festive music and information provided on each country or state over the entirety of the evening via a PowerPoint presentation produced by Jenna Torgerson. Students of SGU were able to join in on this sizzling experience through sampling each dish or being a chef themselves and proudly representing a spoonful of their culture. Since general admittance included an all-you-can-eat menu, all tongues were left happy at the end of the evening.

The mission of IVSA, International Veterinary Students Association, is to benefit the animals and people of the world by harnessing the potential and dedication of veterinary students to promote the international application of veterinary skills, education and knowledge. This worldwide association keeps true to their mission through continually succeeding in the maintenance of a few principal goals. Some of these goals include raising the overall standard of veterinary education by increasing international and intercultural exchange of ideas and knowledge, and promoting opportunities for veterinary students to undertake education in important areas outside of their normal training. A few of these areas may include management, welfare and environmental issues, technical language training, and specialization unique to another country.

IVSA organizes student exchange programs all over the world, produces various publications, holds annual international congresses and symposia, supports veterinary education (especially in disadvantaged countries), and represents the international professional interests of veterinary students.  The Grenada IVSA constantly strives to take part in these worldwide goals. This is why they are extremely proud to be representing Grenada and all of its Spice Isle culture by holding the 58th ANNUAL IVSA SYMPOSIUM GRENADA, with a theme of 'Tropical Medicine'. At this event delegates from approximately 20 countries will come together to experience a taste of Grenada from January 3, 2010 to January 12, 2010.

Current members of the Executive Board: Kristin Kry, President; Kelly Wilson, Vice- President; Jenna Torgerson, Secretary; and Debra Cassebeer, Treasurer would like to kindly thank those students who participated in the annual event. This tradition will be continued next term; all that will be required is to bring your friends, empty stomachs, and eager taste buds! So please come out and ‘Soup-port’ your local IVSA chapter while lavishing your palate with traditional sensations, which will aid greatly in fundraising efforts for such events as the Grenada Symposium this upcoming January. If you are interested in checking out more about IVSA, please visit them at:  www.ivsa.org or learn more about our upcoming symposium at www.ivsagrenada.com .

IVSA has been a part of bringing this delicacy tradition of Around the World Dinner to the counter for the past four terms and will continue to do so for many more terms to come.

Submitted by Kelly Wilson, IVSA Grenada Vice-President