The University News

Issue date: 9/11/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Susan Fry Students enjoyed a three-course meal at the progressive dinner co-sponsored by the Association of Latin American Students and The African American Student Union.

Media Credit: Susan Fry

The African American Student Union (TAASU) and the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) hosted a progressive dinner together as part of their Welcome Series. The purpose of the dinner was to reach out to minority students, but the event was open to all students.

The dinner itself wasn't a recruiting event for TAASU or ALAS, but to help students know where they are located and provide information on their services. With that, students who attended the dinner had the opportunity to eat a three-course meal. Appetizers were served at the African American History and Culture House (AAHCH). ALAS offered the main course at their house, 5335 Rockhill Road, and TAASU provided the dessert back at the History and Culture House.

Music and games were also a part of the dinner and allowed students to interact with each other by playing musical chairs and Pictionary.

"The event was fun and it was an opportunity to meet new people," said Dalayna Iamkui, a junior who is thinking about joining ALAS. After the dinner, there was an outdoor movie screening at the University Playhouse.

TAASU and ALAS have big plans for the year.

"Our goals are to teach students about Latin culture and we're doing community service in Hispanics communities," said Lin Cheie, president of ALAS.

TAASU has plans of its own.

"Our goal is retain students who weren't given guidance in college," said Carlton Brackett, TAASU vice president.

This will help students who are making the transition from high school to college.

The purpose of distributing the dinner among the student organizations was to let students know where the AAHCH and ALAS house were located. The progressive dinner takes place every year, and the food courses are distributed among these organizations in a rotation.

"I really enjoy being apart of ALAS and it's fun," saids Luis Panamero, who is in charge of Public Relations for ALAS. Both organizations have plans for the year and their own goals, but are working together to achieve them. The progressive dinner represents another step in what TAASU and ALAS hope to accomplish.

"The goal was to bring together a diverse group of UMKC students together and that was achieved, so I would say it was a definite success," said Keichanda Dees-Burnett, assistant director of Minority Student Affairs.

nhall@unews.com

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