On Nov. 27, many Murray State students will sit down for a hearty meal with their families. But for international students who cannot afford to make a long trip home for a short American holiday, Murray State is here to help.
Richard Fritz, director of Food Services, has partnered with Institute of International Studies Director Michael Basile to ensure international students have a positive Thanksgiving celebration by hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Winslow Dining Hall and encouraging American students to invite international students to their homes for celebration.
Winslow is bringing a traditional feast to Murray State including such favorites as turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie.
"Thanksgiving dinner is a tradition (here at Murray State)," Linda Hollingsworth, Winslow Manager said. "This year we will be doing a traditional menu like we have always done, but we are going to be serving our dinner buffet-style, similar to our Sunday brunches. We want to get the students into the mindset of: I want to go home, and I am ready for Thanksgiving."
The Thanksgiving feast at Murray State is not only something students tend to enjoy, but faculty and staff as well, Hollingsworth said.
"Everything we do here at Winslow, we really want feedback on it," Hollingsworth said. "Part of our responsibility is to please the majority and also try to accommodate as many requests as possible. We always want feedback. Do people like the desert station or the décor?"
Not only is Food Services providing a traditional meal for the holidays, Winslow is also giving away turkeys to students who gladly welcome international students home for Thanksgiving break.
"We have had a good response, via the Institute for International Studies, from faculty and staff who are interested in hosting students for this meal," Fritz said via e-mail.
International students will have a chance to learn more about America. "Two-thirds of students go home and a third stays," Basile said. "Since many Murray State students are going home, this is a great idea for international students to learn about American culture and customs over a holiday which would be very influential to both parties involved."
One international student celebrating the holiday in America is Jun Wu, sophomore from Beijing. Wu plans to celebrate Thanksgiving with a friend and his family this holiday.
"I am really excited about this Thanksgiving break," Wu said. "This is my first Thanksgiving and I will be spending a week with one of my American friends and his family."
Thanksgiving break begins Nov. 25 and continues through Nov. 30. Winslow is serving Thanksgiving dinner from 4 - 8:30 p.m. this Wednesday.
Ashlee Cobb can be reached at ashlee.cobb@ murraystate.edu.
@murraystate.edu.
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