This March, the Holt Gallery, normally a feast for the eyes, was transformed into a global buffet for Principia College’s Taste of the World celebration. Organized as part of the Whole World Festival, the flavorful debut brought together over 150 students, faculty, Upper School visitors, and neighbors from nearby Elsah—all eager to savor an afternoon of international foods, dance, music, and meaning.
Masterminds of the event — Heather Holmes, director of campus events at Principia College: co-presidents of the African Students Association, Kimbeley Peterson (C’26) and Sarah Fakorede (C’27); international student representative Rafael Ascencio (US’23, C’27); and Roseborn Bonsi-Luckett (C’08) director of the International Students Programs and Services office for the African Student Association, offered visitors a culinary expedition that spanned the globe. From the Caribbean to the Himalayas, West Africa, and Eastern Europe, attendees were treated to dishes that made the world feel that much closer.
“The idea was to celebrate the international student community here at Principia,” said Peterson, “It made me happy just knowing how people felt welcomed and represented—how they felt seen, just by seeing the food of their home country. It was an achievement.”
The 36-foot buffet table featured foods from across the globe. Attendees shared stories over jollof rice from Senegal (a crowd favorite), Argentinian guava and cheese empanadas, Indian butter chicken, African beef stew, and even Latvian cheese—finding connection through the rich cultural exchange of flavors and traditions from diverse cultures.
“For our international students, these are comfort foods from their home countries that help to integrate our many cultures in an incredible, meaningful way,” said Holmes.
At its heart, Taste of the World was about more than eclectic food—it was about belonging. As Luckett said, “You know that no matter where in the world you are from, so long as you are here, you are part of our community. We want you to feel like you belong and that this is home.”
Taste of the World demonstrated that sharing a meal isn’t just about food—it’s about lifting each other up, celebrating our individual stories, and building a sense of home together. Ascencio summed it up perfectly: “Our event was not just about food it was about embracing the real value of our global community.”