Continuing a campus tradition years in the making, hundreds of University of Arkansas at Little Rock students, employees, and families will gather for an international Thanksgiving celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

The annual dinner is a tradition of International Celebration Week, which runs Nov. 13-16 at UA Little Rock. The week of events strengthens awareness of national cultures and encourages interaction between diverse student organizations and departments on campus.

The week’s activities will include a campaign to write letters of hope for people in war-torn Syria, a panel discussion on DACA (Deferred Action for Child Arrivals) program, interfaith dialog lunches, and a day devoted to celebrating the different cultures represented on the UA Little Rock campus.

International Celebration Week will kick off with “Letters of Hope for Syria” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, in Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter A and B.

Participants are invited to write letters of hope to let the Syrian people know the world has not forgotten them. Arkansas-based representatives of the Syrian Emergency Task Force will provide information about the crisis in Syria. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

International Celebration Day will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall. With interactive displays, intercultural communication posters, music, dances, and food, this fun-filled event will feature students representing their cultures and discussing worldwide career and volunteer opportunities. Complete the International Celebration day online form to participate.

During the International Celebration Week panel at noon Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter A, panelists will discuss immigration in the United States, the nature of DACA, and the politics surrounding proposals to change or eliminate the program.

The Thanksgiving celebration provides a free meal for those who cannot travel home for the holiday. Members of the public are invited to join the dinner. The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall. Reserve tickets by stopping by the Office of Campus Life in Donaghey Student Center Room 216.

To wrap up the week, an interfaith dialog lunch will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in Donaghey Student Center Room 205G. This event, sponsored by the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps and hosted by the Department of Applied Communication, will provide students with the opportunity to understand the faith and worldviews of other students. Register for the event by filling out this online form.

For more information on International Celebration week, contact Casey Jackson-Aceituno at cljacksonac@ualr.edu or Dr. Gerald Driskill at 501-569-3158 or gwdriskill@ualr.edu.