MOST OUTSTANDING CULTURAL PROGRAM NOMINEE
vietnamese student association at louisiana state university
pho night
Describe the cultural program and how it meets the mission and goals of the organization. Details MUST include: Date of event, number of participants, program purpose (i.e. goals and objectives), member involvement, use of resources, and marketing techniques.
VSA-LSU hosted their Pho Night on February 1st, 2024 to celebrate Vietnamese culture while also raising funds for the organization. Our main goal was to provide an immersive experience in Vietnamese culture by creating an authentic atmosphere reminiscent of Vietnam. We hosted Pho Night as a way for our community to come together and celebrate Vietnamese culture by sharing one of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes – pho. Throughout the night, we fostered a sense of community amongst over 130 attendees, including Vietnamese students and members of the wider community, bringing them together to share the enjoyment of authentic Vietnamese cuisine and fostering a sense of connection and cultural appreciation. Of course, we wouldn’t be able to hold Pho Night without our beloved sponsors. Because of our sponsors, we were able to provide our attendees with multiple bowls of pho, and it gave our sponsors an opportunity to give back to the community.
How did this cultural program serve the campus and/or community?
Pho Night provided the community with an opportunity for everyone to come together and share the wonderful experience of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. The cultural program offered a sense of connection and cultural appreciation, and it let everyone enjoy a beloved Vietnamese dish.
Did the organization overcome any challenges that arose while planning and implementing the cultural program/event? How?
We initially had trouble gathering the ingredients required to put together bowls of pho, but after persevering and finding solutions over and over, we managed to put together a great event for everyone in the community. We had to improvise and find solutions on the fly, but with teamwork and grit, we worked together to find solutions to make Pho Night a reality.
