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Celebrating Gratitude: Thanksgiving Dinner Unites Global Students

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On October 3rd, the Longo Faculty of Business hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at Toronto’s Old Mill, uniting Senior Dean, Associate Deans, faculty leaders, and international students from the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA), Taiwan’s National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism (NKUHT), and broader International Exchange programs. The evening was a festive gathering of gratitude, cross-cultural exchanges, and Canadian traditions.


Expressions of Gratitude

The evening began with an activity where students and faculty shared personal reflections on gratitude. At each table, a gratitude tree centerpiece adorned with handwritten leaves highlighted individual messages from students and staff, creating a warm and reflective atmosphere that set a positive tone for the night.


Building Connections

The dinner provided a unique opportunity for students from Indonesia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Peru, and Taiwan to enjoy each other’s company, engage in cultural exchanges, and participate in light-hearted icebreaker games. Faculty members joined in, capturing joyful moments with keepsake Polaroid photos, adding to the evening’s charm.


A Taste of Canadian Tradition

A festive Thanksgiving feast offered students their first taste of Canadian dishes like stuffing and butter tarts, adding an authentic touch to the celebration. Faculty members took pride in sharing Canadian culinary traditions, enriching students’ immersion in local culture.


The evening concluded with lingering conversations and shared laughter, underscoring the sense of community and the power of shared experiences.

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A gratitude tree centrepiece

International students engaging in icebreaker games

Group photo at the Old Mill