Thanksgiving celebrations on Streatham Campus
The University of Exeter is holding a range of activties tomorrow to celebrate American Thanksgiving.
Celebrations will include a traditonal Thanksgiving lunch for staff and students and a 'touch' American football game on the piazza (supported by the University's cheerleaders).
There will also be an all-American themed harvest festival eating area where a traditional two course Thanksgiving feast of roast turkey or nut roast with gravy, creamed potato, buttered sweet corn and other vegetables, followed by pumpkin pie or American cheesecake, will be available.
Rick Smith, a third year BA International Relations student at the University of Exeter, originally from Michigan said that “Thanksgiving means a lot to me, as it is a gathering of family and friends, celebrating each other and the past year. Although my family resides back in the US, it is great to be able to carry on that tradition here while studying in the UK.
"It is great that the University supports the international community and their culture as it lets us share this day with not only fellow Americans but also with UK and other international students.”
The University of Exeter has a strong and long-standing exchange programme with Kenyon College, Ohio USA. The programme, which was established nearly forty years ago, has seen a surge in participation this year, with 22 Kenyon students studying at the Streatham Campus.
As part of their degree, Kenyon’s English majors can spend a year at Exeter studying a combination of Exeter and Kenyon modules. The American students will be joining in the activities as well as organising an evening off-campus Thanksgiving event.
Sue O’Hara, the University’s Student Support Officer (Transition and Integration) said: “Thanksgiving is a great festival! What’s not to love about saying what we are thankful for and acknowledging the needs of those who may not be so fortunate.
"To honour this part of the Thanksgiving tradition we will be collecting for the Exeter Foodbank charity during the lunchtime event. I’m really looking forward to sharing Thanksgiving with all of our student community, wherever they are from.”
