Columbus, IN– The Office of Student Affairs at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) in partnership with the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Hunger Awareness Society at IUPUC, is excited to present the second Annual Hunger Banquet on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014 at 4 p.m. in the Columbus Learning Center Summerville Room. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about the hunger epidemic facing our world, and shine a light on the experiences of our residents here in Bartholomew County and beyond. Non-perishable food items will also be collected and donated to Love Chapel.
The Hunger Banquet is a simulated exercise that requires attendees to get involved by randomly selecting their social class when they arrive. Those who select lower class will be served a very modest meal of rice or soup, those who select middle class will be allowed to be offered a buffet with limited options, and those who select upper class will be seated at a beautifully decorated table and served a three course, nutritious meal.
After all attendees have received their meal, Elizabeth Kessler, Executive Director of Love Chapel, will present facts related to hunger in our community and help attendees understand how they can play a role in helping to feed our friends and neighbors.
The event is strategically scheduled just before the holiday season begins in an effort to draw attention of the needs of others at a very self-indulgent time of year. Dr. Sandra Miles, Director of Student Affairs, is excited about hosting this event for the second year. “The role of a university is not only to confer degrees, but to also develop global citizens who we can be proud to call our alumni,” said Miles. “Events like this help to broaden our students’ outlook and, hopefully, encourage them to explore the world that exists outside their comfort zone.”
In an effort to capitalize on the success of last year’s event, Joan McCluskey, IUPUC’s Americorp Volunteer Resource Manager responsible for coordinating student community service initiatives reached out to a few student organizations and invited them to co-sponsor the program. “We have great partnerships with our student groups,” McCluskey noted. “Once I made them aware of the opportunity, SGA and the Hunger Awareness Society immediately saw the value of the program and were excited to encourage students to attend.”
SGA President, Makala Willman, believes that events such as this is what sets IUPUC apart from other schools. “As a student, it’s very easy to stay focused on what test you have coming up, or what friend drama is happening at the moment, but this event really helps to put in perspective the issues that others may be facing,” said Willman. “Events like this and the IUPUC Day of Service reminds students that we have a responsibility to our community and that college is more than just tests and parties.”
There is no cost to attend and parking is free, however space is limited. Members of the community may RSVP online at http://www.iupuc.edu/campus-life/community-service/ . This event is sponsored by the IUPUC Office of Student Affairs, the Student Government Association, and the Hunger Awareness Society.
For more IUPUC events, go to iupuc.edu or email smiles3@iupuc.edu.