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The Taste of Ghana event, held by Phi Beta Delta, featured a classic Ghanaian meal and educated attendees about the country's culture and history.
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Charlene Callison was given honorary membership to Phi Beta Delta for her role in securing clothing for international students and important items for the international auction.
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Karen Oblitey gave a vocal music performance from her country, accompanied by Godfred Mensah
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Taste of Ghana a Success for Phi Beta Delta

November 22, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - The culture and cuisine of Ghana came alive in Macomb at Phi Beta Delta's "A Taste of Ghana" held at the Campus Students for Christ facility on Nov. 2. Approximately 80 WIU students, faculty, staff and members of the community joined Phi Beta Delta members to enjoy a classic Ghanaian meal and learn about their history and culture.

Phi Beta Delta is an international honorary organization and annually hosts the event to fund scholarships for WIU Study Abroad participants and international students coming to WIU.

Five Ghana students — Gloria Osei, Pearl Ofori, Cecilia Yankey, Bernice Asare, and Naomi Tetteh-bata — along with Phi Beta Delta member Beth Shryock prepared the menu of Jollof Rice, Waakye, Plantains and Beans, Grilled Chicken Legs, Fried Chicken Legs, Gizzard Kebab, Salad and Mixed Fruit.

Jack McKinnon and David Behymer skillfully coordinated the planning of the food preparation, serving the group and cleanup. Following the meal, Hawa Ibrahim and Enyonam Neku, both WIU students from Ghana, gave an informative presentation on the culture and history of Ghana. Karen Oblitey gave a vocal music performance from her country, accompanied by Godfred Mensah. Items from around the world were sold in the popular international marketplace, headed up by Patti Jones and Paula Rhodes. The income raised from the marketplace also supplements the scholarship fund.

In addition, honorary membership in Phi Beta Delta was bestowed upon Charlene Callison. Callison has been helpful for many years to Phi Beta Delta, particularly in securing clothing for international students and important items for the international auction.

"Our scholarship fundraiser dinners, which typically include a different country each year, help give everyone a greater sense of our global community," John Carlson, President of Phi Beta Delta said. "They take a lot of work from everyone in our group, but they help us reach our mission of international education for students and the community in general. Our next fundraiser will be in November 2025."

In addition to providing scholarships, Phi Beta Delta holds two culture nights each year to help acclimate new international students to American life and a Fall Fun Fest at Horn Lodge to introduce international students to fall and Halloween activities. The group also works with Macomb High School to present cultures from around the world to Macomb students.

Membership in Phi Beta Delta is open to WIU faculty, staff and students and members of the greater community interested in international education and the exchange of cultures. For application information, email pbd@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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