Vibrant music and the aroma of rich cuisine breathed an exciting energy into the air of Madison College for United Common Ground’s 16th annual Global Showcase held at the Truax Campus on March 5.
According to group president and emcee of the showcase, Princess Zuniga Torres, UCG plays a big role for students here on campus. The club provides cultural education, helps members build leadership skills and offers a safe and empowering space for people of all backgrounds.
This year’s event featured a spectacular group of students who delivered captivating musical performances alongside a variety of flavorful, globally-loved dishes highlighting African, Asian, Latin and Mediterranean heritage.
There were many delicious options on the menu, including plant-based choices like falafel and hummus with pita. For students and faculty observing Ramadan, there were take-away options to enjoy the dishes later. My personal favorite were the Colombian-style empanadas, with a warm, savory filling and crispy masa.

The goal of the Global Showcase is to shed a spotlight on the plethora of cultures at Madison College and to encourage students to engage in new experiences and learn about their peers. The chance to participate in events like these, celebrating the differences and similarities we have, fosters connection and intercultural understanding. On campus, there are students and faculty from over 60 countries.
Srinidhi Chenna, a student performer in the showcase and the founder of Multicultural Students for STEM club said the most rewarding part of the showcase was getting to hang out with friends of various backgrounds and discovering how much they had in common, as well as learning about the differences that make each other unique.
Some highlights from the talent show include Srinidhi Chenna and Sangeetha Sadayappan dancing to a lively mashup of songs from India, and Fernando Ponce Romero celebrating Mexican culture with heartfelt Mariachi and Ranchera musical performances.
Abhishek Jerome played mesmerizing Carnatic music from South India on the guitar, and Madison College’s World Drumming Ensemble performed a danceable Samba rendition, commemorating the music of Brazil.
The range of performances were enchanting and full of energy, reflecting the tremendous talent of students and celebrating traditional aspects of the multitude of cultures we are lucky to have here on campus.
A future goal for the event, Zuniga Torres shares, is to inspire more students to showcase their cultural attire.
Interested in being a part of the celebration next year? “Go for it,” Chenna says. “Don’t be afraid that you’re not good enough or can’t accurately represent your culture. Just go for it!”
Stdents can contact Linda Lee, Intercultural Exchange advisor ([email protected]), or Brian Poepsel, International Educational Exchange advisor ([email protected]) for more information about participating in next year’s event and/or about United Common Ground.
Applications for 2026’s showcase are also open on Handshake. UCG general member meetings are on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Intercultural Exchange room. Feel free to stop by and see what they’re all about.