World Cultures Day Highlights Global Community

Rockhurst University celebrated its annual World Cultures Day on Oct. 8, an annual tradition that highlights the University’s worldwide ties and the solidarity of the broader global community.

The quad was bustling with activity. Tables lined the quad with information on different countries. Food trucks, a Belizean dance and a DJ filled in the rest. 

In addition to the celebration of different places from which the Rockhurst Community hails (31 different countries, currently), World Cultures Day also echoes the ideals of Jesuit education — an appreciation for difference and a curiosity about the world that drives learning. Br. Carl Caceres, S.J., vice president of mission and ministry, said in comments at a prayer service kicking off the event is an expression of the core value of “cura personalis,” or “care for the whole person,” which is the University’s core value of emphasis for the year. Coming together to celebrate the world in all its complexity is not only an intellectual one, but a spiritual one, he said, grounded in hope.

“This sacred task to keep hope and dialogue alive is accomplished through unity, not uniformity,” Br. Caceres said. “If the journey is the work of multiple religions, nations, and generations, then each person will bring their unique selves, distinct cultures, and particular ideas to this project.”

Picking up that theme, several members of the University community shared their thoughts on what gives them hope. Donna Looney, a junior exercise science major, recited an Emily Dickinson poem about hope as a bird that perseveres through adversity. It’s a reminder of the importance of building a community of support.

“We are not meant to live this life alone,” Looney said. “We are all here for a reason. We're all here either to impact others or have others impact us.”