News NORTHERN 10 northern today Celebrating diversity NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY promoted acceptance and awareness at a celebration of about 20 cultures that included international cuisine and entertainment. Culturefest, held Nov. 4 at the Barnett Center, drew people from the community as well as around 400 area high school students. The event, spearheaded by NSU’s Office of International Programs and Multicultural Affairs office, was sponsored by Molded Fiber Glass, Sanford Health and Avera St. Luke’s Hospital. Also as part of Diversity Week, the annual NSU Fall Powwow was Nov. 5, sponsored by the NSU Native American Student Association. The hope is to make Culturefest an annual event, said Stacey Schmidt, international student adviser. Culturefest had two sessions: one for high school students who take foreign language classes through the NSU Center for Statewide E-Learning, and one for the public. Fang Liu, 23, a graduate student from China, was excited to learn about the other countries at Culturefest. Liu said she has felt accepted by people in Aberdeen. “They are kind and friendly,” she said. ‘Phantom’ packs theater Northern State University Theatre brought a world-famous production to Aberdeen in October – and gave a world-class performance. “NSU THEATRE GIVES ABERDEEN AND THE SURROUNDING AREA ANOTHER THING TO BE PROUD OF.” Cory Niles as the “Phantom” and Michelle Monroe as “Christine” THE CAST of 43 and orchestra of 27 performed “Phantom of the Opera” to sold out or near sold out crowds Oct. 19-22 at the Johnson Fine Arts Center. “It’s awesome to see the community supporting the theater department,” said junior Yvonne Freese, one of the two students to play the lead female role. “It really means a lot to us.” Putting on a show of that magnitude requires a lot of work and a lot of commitment, but the cast and crew rose to the occasion, said Daniel Yurgaitis, director of theatre. Michelle Monroe, the other student to play “Christine,” said her favorite part of doing the show was getting to work with the rest of the cast and watch the show blossom from broken lines into a great performance. Freese, 20, a music and musical theater major from Lanesboro, Minn., said being in the play was like a dream. Senior Cory Niles also said playing the “Phantom” was a dream role. “I hope I get to do it again,” said Niles, 24, a senior musical theater major from Gettysburg. “Phantom” was Niles’ final NSU performance. “It’s kind of bittersweet,” he said. Next up for NSU Theatre is “[title of show]” Dec. 2-3, followed by “The Liar” Feb. 15-18 and “Xanadu” April 11-14. Yurgaitis said NSU functions as a regional arts center for the university community and the entire region. “NSU Theatre gives Aberdeen and the surrounding area another thing to be proud of,” said Monroe, 22, a vocal and instrumental music education major from Pierre. “The caliber of the productions have only improved during my time at NSU, and I am confident that the program will continue to grow and flourish.”
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