Party@Global Celebrates the Start of the Semester
Over 1,000 enthusiastic attendees filled the newly renovated Global Center student union on the evening of Friday, September 22, for the highly anticipated 2023 Party@Global. This annual event is held each year to welcome international students to campus life while showcasing the Global Center as an inclusive and welcoming space for all students.
The evening featured free food, music, games, and activities, all made possible through the collaborative sponsorship of Student Unions, Arizona International, Study Abroad, and WEB (Wildcat Events Board).
After grabbing their wristbands at registration, attendees were ushered up to the second floor of the Global Center where they could sample food selections from Mas Tacos and The Den. Downstairs, Core+ and Blue Bunny provided nourishing snacks and tasty treats. Cats After Dark, an initiative of Housing and Residential Life, set up the A Bar, a non-alcoholic mocktail bar.
KAMP Radio DJs provided the evening’s soundtrack and kept the energetic atmosphere alive with a stellar musical lineup throughout the event. As the night went on, the patio became a dance floor as the DJs accepted partygoers' requests for popular songs. The music was replaced by cheering every twenty minutes as they selected students from the crowd to receive gift bags generously donated by Arizona International, Coca-Cola, and University of Arizona Bookstores.
Out in the courtyard, there was something for everyone. Campus Rec organized volleyball and cornhole games. WEB provided the opportunity for students to get a henna tattoo or get a photo taken with friends in the always popular photo booth. UA Students for Sustainability hosted a seed-planting activity while the Center for Latin American Studies tested attendees on their knowledge of countries and capitals. Students could try their hands at origami facilitated by the Tucson Origami Club. They also were able to practice their calligraphy skills or compete at pinball courtesy of the Center of East Asian Studies. Meanwhile, the International Student Services Global Ambassadors had people in knots at their balloon animal training table.
There were also informational resources available to students at the event as well. UA Study Abroad set up a table for students keen on exploring study abroad opportunities. Additionally, they provided an opportunity for attendees to register for a raffle, with a chance to win a $250 scholarship toward a study abroad program. The Office of Student Computing Resources (OSCR) and the Peace Corps tables were also on hand to answer questions and provide resources.
The event's collaborative effort among various university departments and organizations demonstrated the university’s commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. Thanks to all that attended this year's event and we can't wait to see you again next year.
