Over 170 meals were served to University of Iowa students and members of the surrounding community during a special fall break meal event on Monday, November 21. 

The event was sponsored by International Programs, the Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence, and the Office of the Dean of Students.  An endowment by Bev Brandau, 1948 UI grad, also helped make this event possible.  The endowment seeks to support programs that directly facilitate interactions between international students and the community.

The meal offered an opportunity for students who stay in Iowa City during fall break to eat with other students and community members and join in community with each other. It provided a unique chance for international students and scholars—many of whom brought their family members—to experience traditional fall foods for the first time.

The meal was catered by Hy-Vee and featured turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetarian stuffing, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, hot apple cider, sweet potato pie, apple pie, and pumpkin pie. In-person dining and grab-and-go options were available.

The meal was well received, prompting one guest to remark, "It was an amazing event. I truly appreciate the time and effort put into this event. It was well-thought-out and executed. Thank you." 

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.