Tennessee Tech’s “Window on the World” (WOW) Celebration returns this Saturday on the Main Quad.
Co-Coordinator Alejandra Cisneros-Conohan said that the event was created over 22 years ago to promote diversity and global harmony.
“We’re a melting pot and it’s nice not only to learn about the cultures that we develop here but about how we came to be what we are and who we are as a nation,” Cisneros-Conohan said. “But also as we continue to grow, I honestly think it’s important as an economic development piece as well.”
Cisneros-Conohan said that the all-day event will highlight food, music, crafts, and educational booths from all over the world.
Cisneros-Conohan said that promoting the multi-cultural dynamics of Cookeville can attract more people interested in that aspect. She said while the state has a lot of amenities, it’s important to showcase a place for all to fit in when it comes to recruitment both for businesses and the university.
“As a matter of fact, I’ve had international students who have shared with me that they got interested in Tennessee Tech because they had other friends who had come to Tech and told them about WOW,” Cisneros-Conohan said.”So quite frankly, it’s like how huge is that? That it was such an impactful event, that it was one of the selling pieces to come to Tech.”
Cisneros-Conohan said that another international student had even made a donation to the university because they prove, through events like these, their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
Cisneros-Conohan said that the event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. She said that entertainment will be in the Derryberry Hall auditorium, where the event will also move in case of weather.