On Nov. 21 the ASUN and GSA International clubs collaborated to host the 40th annual Night of All Nations event in the Joe Crowley Student Union. Over 700 students, faculty and community members came out to take part in the cultural celebration.
The event featured performances from a variety of groups, including clubs such as Wolf Pack Taiko, Urban Dance Club and Lambda Phi Xi. There were also over 20 tables with students sharing information about their culture and giving away free items and snacks.
Celebrating culture and identity
Ramila Kunguzhinova, junior finance and international affairs major and president of the undergraduate International Club explained, “For the University of Nevada, Reno, [the event] is a way to show that the campus is open and welcoming toward different cultures, and that every student is important. This helps students feel included and seen.”
“The vulnerability of representing your culture breaks barriers and makes connections closer, and on that night, many people are there to experience that proximity,” shared Lucas Tuchinsky, freshman international affairs and information systems double major and undergraduate International Club historian.
The community impact of Night of All Nations reaches beyond the University’s campus. “It creates a space where anyone can experience the richness of global cultures firsthand,” said President of the graduate International Club and fourth-year computer science and engineering Ph.D. student Ayesh Meepaganithage.
He added, “It strengthens cultural appreciation, encourages inclusivity and connects people who might never otherwise meet. By bringing international perspectives to the forefront, the event helps make our campus and city more welcoming, vibrant, and globally aware.”
Planning the event
Hosting an event this large requires immense collaboration between the two clubs. Lamia Belhassani, third year mechanical engineering Ph.D. student and treasurer of the graduate International Club explained, “It takes months of planning, coordination and teamwork to bring together food, performances, decorations and authentic experiences from around the world. But seeing the community come together makes every hour worth it.”
Kunguzhinova said the clubs set a date in the spring semester and begin planning as early as August, four months before the event.
“We work closely with students to organize booths, performances and culturally authentic snacks. Every detail, from decorations to logistics, requires careful coordination. Each year, we build on lessons learned to make the event even better than before,” said Meepaganithage.
The impact
This event is significant to many students and community members for the clubs’ commitment to celebrating diversity. Representatives from the offices of Sen. Jacky Rosen and Sen. Cortez Masto attended and gave congressional recognition to the campus partners that contributed to its execution: the International clubs; ASUN Department of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility; The Multicultural Center; and the Joe Crowley Student Union.
The significance of Night of All Nations to the University community is clear. “By bringing international perspectives to the forefront, the event helps make our campus and city more welcoming, vibrant and globally aware,” Meepaganithage said.
