Lewis-Clark State College will celebrate Multicultural Discovery 2023 with four campus events during September. All events are free and open to the public.
The Native American Friendship Lunch kicks off the celebration on Sept. 6 at 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Pi’amkinwaas, located at 1112 7th St. in Lewiston. The lunch features Native American stew and fry bread with discussions pertinent to Native American awareness and culture.
The LC State International Programs Office and international clubs will hold a Discover Culture Table event on Sept. 13 at noon-1:15 p.m. on the lawn near the fountain and gazebo in the center of campus. The event features presentations and information on different countries by international students attending LC State and other campus members.
The popular annual Food & Culture Night at the LC State Williams Conference Center will take place on Sept. 15 at 5-6:30 p.m. LC State international students and others will hold a potluck and attendees can sample food from around the world. The event regularly attracts around 300 people. Following the potluck, there will be music, performances, and other cultural events from around the world.
The final event is a keynote address and performance by Cecilia Violetta Lopez on Sept. 20 at 6-7:30 p.m. in the Silverthorne Theatre. Lopez is a soprano and artistic advisor for Opera Idaho, an organization that funds and produces opera performances throughout Idaho. Lopez will give a keynote presentation and musical performance. Lopez has been performing with Opera Idaho for nine years and as artistic advisor she is responsible for advising and advocating for expanded repertoire, providing insights on diversity in artistic practices and community initiatives, and collaborating with senior management in identifying and securing financial support for the organization.
Lopez is a native of Rupert, Idaho, and Opera News named her as one of opera’s “25 Rising Stars.” She has become a voice for her art form and shares the story of her Idahoan roots, humble upbringing, hard work, and career’s trajectory. She is on the artist roster of the Metropolitan Opera, has sung at Carnegie Hall, and recently had an exhibit at the Idaho State Museum.
For more information or to contribute to the Native American Friendship Lunch and/or Food & Culture Night, contact any of the individuals listed: Ian Tippets, humanities professor, at irtippets@lcsc.edu or 208-792-2297; Bob Sobotta, director of Native American, Minority & Veterans Services, at bsobotta@lcsc.edu or 208-792-2858; Rebecca Snodgrass, coordinator of International Programs, at rlsnodgrass@lcsc.edu or 208-792-2109; Traci Birdsell, senior director, Educational Opportunity Grant Program, at tbirdsell@lcsc.edu or 208-792-2848; or Sam White Temple, retention specialist, at tswhite-temple@lcsc.edu or 208-792-2744.
