Thanksgiving Dinner Starts Lifelong International Friendships

Cedarville University and Wright State University students will participate in the 35th annual Thanksgiving dinner for international students on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Fairborn Senior Center. The event is sponsored by Cedarville’s Campus Bible Fellowship (CBF), a conversational English class at Wright State and the Xenia Area Liaison Committee which represents several area Baptist churches.

The dinner introduces international students from both universities to the Thanksgiving holiday, while also connecting them to the community.

More than 70 international students are expected to attend the event. For many, it will be their first time experiencing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Gary Holtz, international coordinator for CBF International, has been involved in the Thanksgiving celebration since it began 35 years ago, and said its success over the years is the reason for its continuation.

Newly implemented this year, Cedarville students will provide childcare for families attending the event. This year, a brief presentation will be given by David Bout from Maranatha Baptist Church in Columbus.

— Gary Holtz

“We’ve seen long-term relationships established and lifelong friendships built with members of the community,” Holtz said. “We have even kept in contact with students even after they go back to their home countries.”

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,380 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including the Master of Divinity program, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.