Reservations open for International Foods Night at Otero College

The flags are being pressed, the menu is finalized, and auction items are rolling in! It’s time for International Foods Night at Otero College! The Rizzuto Banquet Room on the Otero campus will be abuzz on Thursday evening, Nov.10. Reservations are being taken now for this community favorite tradition that celebrates bringing the world to Otero each year.

“This fall semester alone, there are over 60 students representing 28 different countries who are calling the Arkansas Valley home and moving forward on their educational journey. There really isn’t a better reason to get out and celebrate!” said Maureen Rikhof, Director of International Relations at Otero College. “It’s an event that faculty and staff look forward to, our students are busy planning for, and the community just can’t appreciate what a difference this night makes for our international student community. The generosity of this community is appreciated.”

Doors will open at 6 p.m. Event goers will enjoy nine separate courses from a menu carefully chosen to celebrate the traditions and flavors that are brought to campus through the international program. Appetizers include options from Italy and Greece, main entrees will highlight China, Nicaragua and Jamaica and dessert will not disappoint with Baklava and Melktert from South Africa. The on-campus team at Sodexo pulls out all the stops to make this a delicious and beautiful meal. This year is no exception. Entertainment will be performed by students from Colombia and Brazil. Prizes for raffle tickets as well as both silent and live auctions will be available.

“We have a couple of surprises this year, but we are also focused on honoring the traditions of this event. The funds raised this evening support students on campus through scholarships and other support systems throughout the year. We look forward to an entertaining evening!” said Rikhof.

Everyone in the community is invited to join. Reservations can be made online https://otero.edu/about/newsevents/ojcevents/internationalfood/default.aspx or you can contact the international office directly to make arrangements. Otero-international@otero.edu or (719) 384-6805. If you would like to donate items for the auction or be an event sponsor, the international program would benefit from that as well.

For questions International Foods Night or any aspect of the International Relations Organization, please contact Maureen Rikhof at 719-384-6805 or by email at Maureen.Rikhof@otero.edu.