Among the aims of the Rufus M. Jones Institute for Leadership is to help Haverford students “build the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding to become positive change agents in our increasingly global society.” Earlier this month, the organization put the global focus on China when it hosted a Chinese Culture Dinner and Dining Etiquette Workshop.
This well-attended special event, co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, was held in the Dining Center on December 4 and was catered by Hong Garden, a local restaurant owned by the family of alumnus Jon Yu ’12. Three students, Oscar Wang ’14, Gogo Wang ’15, and Shan Shan ’17 (members of the International Students Association and the Asian Students Association), gave presentations throughout the meal on the specifics of Chinese dining etiquette. Along with a description of each course, topics discussed included how to use chopsticks, proper professional behavior at a Chinese dinner, and the custom of “fighting” over the bill at the end of the meal.
The Chinese Culture Dinner is just one of a number of events hosted by the Rufus M. Jones Institute, whose executive board includes students, faculty and staff. To complete the Institute’s leadership development program, participating students must meet a list of requirements that includes attendance at leadership-related retreats, conferences, and on-campus talks; participation in self-designed leadership experiences (such as internships or externships, captaining a team, or heading a campus club); and the completion of a six-week, non-credit leadership course. For more information about the Institute, explore their website.
Photos by Thom Carroll.