December 13, 2019

Annual Ethnic Fair and Holiday Bridge Lighting wows with food and arts at School of Medicine

Photos by Emily Nghiem

The Wayne State University School of Medicine's annual Ethnic Fair and Holiday Bridge Lighting attracted more than 200 students, residents and faculty to the Scott Hall Cafeteria on Dec. 5 to celebrate the sights and sounds of the school’s cultural diversity through art, dance, food and music.

The event is hosted once per academic year by the Board of Student Organizations.

African Dancers — Dancers from the Black Medical Student Association perform at the Ethnic Fair and Bridge Lighting.

“This year’s Ethnic Fair and Holiday Bridge Lighting was a great success. I am so thankful for all of the work by our participating organizations. They worked tirelessly to put on an awesome event for the school,” said Board of Student Organizations President Daniel Harris, Class of 2022. “I am also incredibly thankful for the Medical Alumni Association for sponsoring the event and the Office of Student Affairs for all of their work making the event happen. They put an incredible amount of time and dedication into making the event amazing.”

Guests enjoyed a variety of global cuisine from area restaurants serving Afro-Caribbean, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Polish and soul food.

Live entertainment included dance performances by the Black Medical Association and the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, and a vocal performance by the Ultrasounds, the school’s acapella group.

Indian dancers — Students from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin perform.

Guests could also participate in origami activities, hosted by the Asian Pacific American Medical Association, and enjoy an art display hosted by the Latino Medical Student Association.

After the fair concluded, guests congregated at the pedestrian bridge connecting Scott Hall and the Mazurek Medical Education Commons to enjoy carols and hot cocoa, and witness the second annual Dr. David and Patricia Barron Bridge Lighting, hosted by the Art in Medicine student organization.

lighting with people — Art in Medicine's executive board includes Emily Nghiem, vice president; John Jarad, event coordinator; Anita Vaishampayan, community engagement coordinator; Ashley Kramer, president; Aditi Kappagantu, historian; Kimberly Palmer, DIA/FJC Liaison; Annie Thy Nguyen, communications/secretary; Tiffany Khaw, fundraising and merchandising. Not Pictured: Elizabeth Kupser, treasurer and Dr. Ryan Thummel, faculty advisor.

"This is the second year that Art in Medicine has organized the lighting of the David and Patricia Barron Bridge connecting Scott Hall and Mazurek. The event is meant to lift spirits and spread holiday cheer to students, faculty, and staff throughout the holiday season," said M.D.-Ph.D. student Ashley Kramer, president of Art in Medicine and secretary of the Executive Student Senate. "We also want students to see the lights as a reminder that their peers and the administration have their backs and support them in this difficult journey. Thank you to my executive board, and faculty advisor, Dr. Ryan Thummel, for all of their hard work to make this event happen. I also want to give a special thanks in particular to three individuals in student affairs that work tirelessly to support the business of student organizations; Allison Gherardini, Nicole Collier and Tracey Eady, thank you for all you do."

Bridge Light — An exterior view of the bridge, which will shine throughout the holiday season.

“I think the event is a great way to celebrate the diversity making up the School of Medicine and Detroit community, and I am so thankful for all who attended,” Harris added. “I am also so thankful to have collaborated with Art in Medicine by combining the event with the Holiday Bridge Lighting -- it was a great way to close out the night.”