International Culture Night raises ‘bridges of understanding'

Radford University hosted International Culture Night 2026 on March 12, and attendees got a sampling of the customs and traditions of myriad countries, including Brazil, China, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea and the United States.

About 160 students, faculty and community members took part in the event - now in its third year - which was hosted at Kyle Hall by the McGlothlin Center for Global Education and Engagement under the leadership of its director Ismael Betancourt Velez. It offered dinner in the form of an international buffet, as well as musical performances, dance presentations, tutorials and an interactive quiz.

"This event represents more than a celebration of music and dance - it reflects our university's commitment to global awareness, cultural exchange and meaningful community engagement," Betancourt Velez said. "Opportunities like this allow us not only to experience diverse traditions, but to build bridges of understanding that extend beyond our campus and into the broader global community."

Adam Russell, coordinator of Radford's International Student and Scholar Service, served as master of ceremonies alongside Constance Olle, a graduate student from France.

Performances included Brazilian guitar by graduate music student Joao Ramos and ballet by Maria Susoiu Tcaciuc. Activities on the bill involved a K-Pop dance exhibition, French and German songs, African American dance by seniors Sydney Crump and Savannah Wadsworth and an interactive jazz tutorial by Chloe Hicks and Charlotte Smith.

"Attending the International Culture Night was very exciting," criminal justice master's student Laci Law said afterward. "Getting to witness the amazing performers really sparked an interest to learn more about the beauty of other cultures."