On November 13, students and faculty gathered to experience an American Thanksgiving at the Psychology Department's multicultural Friendsgiving. Hosted annually by the department’s Belonging and Diversity Committee for the past four years, the event aims to promote peer mentorship, education, and intersectionality.
This year, the focus was on inviting students from different cultural backgrounds to share and learn from one another, explained Dawn-Marie Wood, associate professor of psychology and chair of the student-led committee.
Out of nearly 1,800 students in the Psychology Department, 367 are multicultural. This event offers an opportunity to share an American cultural holiday while learning about the cultural traditions of others.
“We’re learning more about our psychology students from different cultures,” Wood said. “We get to share with them something that’s important to us—being grateful in November—and experience what an American Thanksgiving dinner looks like and tastes like. At the same time, we interact in a way that lets us learn more about their cultures.”
The night’s agenda included get-to-know-you games, prizes, a Thanksgiving meal, and short presentations from several faculty members.
The presenters included David-James Gonzales from the History Department, who discussed belonging and diversity on campus; Jared Nielsen from the Psychology Department, who spoke about a study abroad program he is recruiting multicultural students for; and Juan Valladares, who shared insights on his multicultural psychology class and its significance.
Additionally, the event’s committee gave a presentation on the Multicultural Student Services office.
Valladares explained the value of such events.
“I think doing this helps students recognize that there are many of us who share similar identities,” he said. “For students to see that we’re out there and can be friends is useful.”
Several of those at the event expressed similar sentiments including Saniya Steflik, a multicultural student and a junior psychology major who attended the event with her boyfriend.
“I got the email and thought, ‘That’s crazy—it’s for psychology students, but also for multicultural students. That’s such a specific group!’” she said. “It seemed like an event and a place where I’d feel like I fit in.”
She added, “I’ve gone to multicultural events, but having one that’s for psychology students is such a good idea,” she said. “I feel like I don’t know many people in my major, especially those who are multicultural students.”
Although the event prioritizes the attendance of multicultural students, the committee ensures the invitation is extended to all students in the major, Wood shared.
“They respond that they want to come to meet students from places they’ve studied, served, worked, or lived—even if they themselves are not underrepresented in that way,” she continued. “It’s a way to help students feel like they belong and can connect with each other.”
Wood discussed the success they have found in this Thanksgiving celebration, noting the data collected from RSVP surveys sent to attendees.
“One way we gather feedback is by asking students why they’re interested in the event,” Wood explained. “Now that this is our fourth year, we’re receiving responses like, ‘I heard about this event last year! I couldn’t come, but my roommate said it was so fun.’”
Responses about what students appreciate most about the event range “from ‘free food’ to ‘I want to connect with other students like me in the major,’” Wood said.
The event’s committee is looking forward to receiving feedback on this year’s Friendsgiving and plans to continue expanding these opportunities for cross-cultural engagement, ensuring that all students feel a sense of community and belonging.
