The Creating American-International Relationships (CAIR) program and the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) from the Global Engagement Office hosted their annual Halloween Party on Oct. 24. The event brought together students from diverse backgrounds and Oakland locals to celebrate one of America’s most festive holidays through food, creativity and cultural connection.
The Halloween party welcomed both international and domestic students, as well as community members, to experience a classic American tradition in an inclusive and engaging environment. Many international students who had never celebrated Halloween before had the opportunity to participate in activities such as pumpkin carving, painting and a lively costume contest. The event served as both a cultural introduction and a fun way to build friendships across campus and beyond.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by Natali Salaytah, CAIR coordinator and ISSO graduate assistant, who welcomed everyone at the sign-in table and shared what would be showcased throughout the evening. Her friendly introduction set the tone for the night, encouraging attendees to explore, connect and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The ballroom itself was transformed into a Halloween wonderland, featuring incredible decorations that included colorful lights, spooky backdrops and large inflatable Halloween figures. The creative setup brought the holiday spirit to life and made for great photo opportunities throughout the night.
Tables were set up with supplies for pumpkin painting and carving, giving attendees the chance to design their own festive decorations at the pumpkin station. For many first-time participants, carving pumpkins was a highlight of the night. Volunteers from CAIR and ISSO were available to help guide the activities and make sure everyone could join in the fun.
The costume contest added another layer of excitement to the event. Students arrived dressed in everything from spooky and traditional Halloween costumes to humorous and creative outfits. For those who didn’t bring a costume, CAIR volunteers hosted a costume station, allowing attendees to pick out accessories and join in the celebration. As participants took turns showing off their costumes, the room filled with laughter, cheers and applause.
To complement the activities, the event also featured a selection of food and refreshments for everyone to enjoy. Students gathered around tables to share snacks, socialize and take photos with their friends. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged conversation and connection, aligning with CAIR’s mission to create stronger relationships between international and American students.
“The goal of this event is to give international students a taste of American culture while helping them feel more at home on campus,” a CAIR representative shared. “At the same time, it allows domestic students to meet peers from around the world and appreciate different cultural perspectives.”
The collaboration between CAIR and ISSO demonstrated the university’s commitment to fostering global engagement and inclusion. Events like this highlight how cultural celebrations can unite students, spark new friendships and strengthen the sense of community at Oakland University.
By the end of the evening, the ballroom was filled with carved pumpkins, painted masterpieces and smiling faces. The Halloween party was more than just a night of spooky fun; it was a celebration of diversity, creativity and connection across cultures and communities.
