Prior to the campus-wide shutdown, Oakland University’s Global Engagement Office hosted one of the largest events of the academic semester. The ISSO CAIR International Night took place on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Oakland Center banquet rooms. The event served as the final major gathering on campus before the shutdown.
To kick off the night, ISSO employees, CAIR executive board members and volunteers welcomed attendees as they arrived. The event was open to the public and free for all guests. Community members, students and faculty were all encouraged to attend and participate.
Food played a major role in creating a welcoming environment. Attendees were offered a wide variety of dishes including sushi, shawarma and churros. The food selection reflected the many cultures represented throughout the event and encouraged people to gather and connect.
Throughout the evening, there were 15 live performances representing countries from around the world. Music, dance and artistic expression filled the banquet rooms as students showcased their cultures. The performances highlighted the diversity of the Oakland University community and created a space where all backgrounds were celebrated.
Jurgem Mezinaj, a student representing Connect the Nations and the Albanian American Student Organization, said the event held special meaning for him.
“Today we are here to share the values, the foods and the pictures of Albania,” Mezinaj said. He explained that participating allowed him to represent his country and culture proudly.
Oakland University’s ISSO and CAIR partnered with more than 20 student organizations and campus offices to make the event possible. Leading up to International Night, many students questioned whether the event would continue due to the announced shutdown. Despite uncertainty, organizers remained committed to moving forward.
ISSO staff members Petra Knoche and Natali Salaytah worked to keep the Oakland Center open for the event. Their efforts ensured that International Night could proceed as planned. The success of the event reflected the dedication of both staff and student leaders.
For many students, the event represented more than entertainment. It offered a sense of belonging during a time of uncertainty for international students.
“I think it’s important to give a space and highlight all of the cultures that are on campus,” Jasmin Carmona-Almanzan, president of the Spanish Club, said.
The audience included students, faculty, professors and community members. Performers sang, danced and shared art that reflected their cultural identities and personal backgrounds. Attendees were able to learn about traditions, fashion and history from around the world. The shared experience encouraged conversation, appreciation and a deeper understanding of the diversity within the Oakland University community.
“Oakland is a big melting pot with different cultures and different backgrounds,” Kujsi Gongo, member of the Albanian American Student Organization, said. “It’s very important to show people of other backgrounds and ethnicities all of that.”
As the final event of the 2025 academic year, ISSO CAIR International Night served as a meaningful conclusion to the semester. Despite the campus shutdown, the Global Engagement and ISSO offices successfully brought communities together to celebrate. CAIR, a student organization run through ISSO remains committed to fostering inclusion through events like International Night.
