Drake University’s International Student Association hosted its annual I-Night celebration on Saturday, Nov. 22, featuring an evening of cultural performances, fashion displays and food representing countries across the globe. The theme, “Waves of the World,” guided the event’s structure, which was organized into multiple performance and fashion “waves.”
Emilia Broich, a sophomore, attended I-Night last year as well as this year.
“I-Night is always something to look forward to,” said Broich. “ISA does an amazing job putting together an event that honors all the cultures that make Drake the place it is.”
University President Marty Martin opened the program with remarks on Drake’s history of global engagement. Martin highlighted the story of early Chinese international student Jeu Hawk, and referenced long-standing institutional connections to regions such as Qingdao, Panama and Singapore. He said that Drake’s mission includes preparing students to be “responsible global citizens and to be globally engaged.”
The first wave of performances began with a dance by a duo representing Nigeria. A pre-recorded video from a Vietnamese student followed, in which she discussed her background and the factors that influenced her decision to attend Drake. Her segment concluded with an original song and video compilation submitted by friends from Vietnam greeting Drake students. A Nepali dance group closed the first portion of the program and transitioned into the evening’s initial cultural fashion walk, featuring students modeling attire specific to their cultural heritage.
The second wave included a presentation from students representing Thailand and an individual presentation on Bosnia. A short intermission followed, including a candy-guessing activity for attendees. Dinner was then served, offering items such as butter chicken, lasagna, chicken gyros, salad and tres leches cake. Drink options included horchata, milk tea with boba and lemonade.
After dinner, the program resumed with a Bosniak dance group performing pieces reflective of cultural traditions among various youth age groups. A second fashion walk followed, after which ISA conducted a raffle with prizes including a plush toy, speaker, blender, clothes steamer and air fryer.
The final wave of performances began with a Japanese and English vocal piece sung by a student from Japan. A trio representing India danced next, and the evening’s final performance — a rap by two students representing the Netherlands — closed the segment. The program concluded with a final model walk featuring culturally significant outfits, accompanied by introductions and explanations from the event’s emcees.
At the end of the evening, performers, models and ISA executive members participated in a collective final walk. ISA recognized its event planning team, and the program formally concluded.
