Around the World with Westcliff’s 4th Annual International Food and Culture Festival
Music and the aroma of traditional dishes filled the air as Westcliff’s Irvine campus transformed into a global hub for the 4th Annual International Food and Culture Festival. More than 300 guests gathered in the decorated courtyard as students, faculty and staff shared the flavors and stories of their heritage. Conversations sparked new connections and curiosity. In a vivid display of unity, more than 100 countries were represented, reflecting the richness of Westcliff’s international community.
“The food was delicious. You can taste the effort people put into representing their culture,” said Esentur Arstanbekov, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) student from Kazakhstan. “It’s important to be at a university that really values different people.”
That spirit defined the day. The wonder of discovering a new favorite dish or meeting a new friend is what the International Food and Culture Festival is all about. It was a celebration of fresh perspectives, shared traditions and, of course, plenty of good food to bring it all together.
Around the World in One Courtyard
Food has a way of bringing people together, and at the 4th Annual International Food and Culture Festival, it did exactly that. Everywhere you looked, something sparked the senses. Samosas crackled fresh with savory filling. Tacos warmed eager hands. The scent of paneer masala drifted through the courtyard as warm smiles served it on a plate.
After the savory dishes came the sweets, and European waffles shimmered under powdered sugar, sweetening the air.
“When I saw the setup, I was intrigued,” said Dera Vixon, a Westcliff men’s basketball guard. “My parents are from Nigeria, so seeing all the different cultures and food made me want to try everything.”
As plates emptied, the stage came alive with color and sound. Students from India, Mongolia and the Philippines shared music and dance that captured rhythm, precision and pride. Traditional melodies blended with modern beats, turning the courtyard into a celebration of movement and culture. The audience clapped and cheered with every performance, each one offering a glimpse into a piece of home.
Between performances, guests collected stamps in small “passports” as they explored food stations representing each continent. A completed passport earned a chance to win Disneyland tickets, adding a touch of adventure to the global theme.
Other prizes, including a new television and an espresso machine, were raffled off using tickets handed out at check-in. Excitement built as names were called and cheers echoed through the courtyard, ending the afternoon on a high note of community and joy.
Celebrating Diversity
With more than 9,000 students from over 130 countries, Westcliff stands as a reflection of the world itself. Every classroom is shaped by a wide spectrum of cultures, perspectives and experiences that fuel innovation and empathy.
For Dr. George J. Sayegh, dean emeritus and professor in the College of Technology and Engineering, diversity at Westcliff is a shared responsibility.
“Diversity really means having compassion for others and being a good steward,” Dr. Sayegh said. “Here at Westcliff, we’ve always fostered an environment of helping people along the way. You see it in our students helping one another and in our faculty supporting new colleagues as they join the community. Regardless of background, age or gender, we’re all here to do the right thing and be good citizens. That embodies the spirit of Westcliff University.”
That philosophy extends far beyond the classroom. It is seen in the way international students collaborate across continents on shared projects, in the way mentors guide new faculty and in the conversations that continue long after class has ended. Westcliff’s diversity is a daily practice, lived out through empathy, service and a genuine desire to see others succeed.
A World Within Westcliff
As the sun dipped behind the Irvine skyline, the courtyard slowly quieted. Empty plates and lingering smiles told the story of another successful celebration. What began as a showcase of food and music became something deeper — a reminder of what makes Westcliff unique.
At its heart, the International Food and Culture Festival is about the people. It is about learning from one another, sharing stories and embracing the differences that make the community stronger. Each exchange, each laugh across the table, became an act of understanding.
In that courtyard, surrounded by the sounds and scents of the world, everyone belonged.