Celebrating World Cultures and Languages
Students receive passport encouraging learning on campus and abroad
Caitlyn Zuege, a psychology major, interacts with students at the Filipino Student Association table.
The second annual RCs Around the World at the University of Mississippi Luckyday Residential College on October 7 brought together 11 languages and language professors from the Department of Modern Languages and the Department of Classics, as well as student groups.
“The event spreads knowledge of world cultures and languages, encourages students to study language, sparks interest in study abroad, and promotes curiosity about global traditions,” said Jackie DiBiasie-Sammons, associate professor of classics and senior faculty fellow of the Luckyday Residential College, who teaches and studies Roman archaeology and Latin language with a focus on ancient graffiti.
Students from the Luckyday Residential College and Residential College South visited each language table and student organization booth to complete activities designed by the groups. Participants received a stamp in their passport for every activity completed and a promotional item at the end.
Ole Miss Dining provided small plates designed to accompany each country and highlight that cuisine.
“We had 150 students attend last year and we more than doubled that number this year,” said DiBiasie-Sammons.
One attendee at both events, Martin Lyaudet-Salman, a Luckyday Residential College alumnus and sophomore marketing major from Santiago, Chile, said, “There were so many more people than last time. Thanks to Dr. DiBiasie-Sammons, even more countries were represented this year, each bringing something new to teach us. Offering us food or knowledge. I’m always happy to come back for a Luckyday event. It’s always such a good time and truly feels like returning to my home away from home.”
RCs Around the World highlights the important work of the departments of modern languages and classics and demonstrates the strength of partnerships across campus between the College of Liberal Arts, the Residential Colleges, the Department of Student Housing, Study Abroad, and Ole Miss Dining, DiBiasie-Sammons said.
“Sharing a meal that celebrates global cultures not only brings departments and students together to learn about cultures and studying opportunities, it helps build the kind of close-knit, welcoming environment that makes living in the Residential Colleges such a unique and enriching experience,” said Scott Schornhorst, university location manager for The Dish.
Events like the LuckyDay Around the World Dinner are a great example of how our dining program and the Residential Colleges work together to create something special for students.”
The program expanded the horizons of Jacayla Dixon, a public health major from Byram, Mississippi. “I loved this experience,” Dixon said. “To see all the different cultures and countries reminds me that the world is bigger than my everyday life and there is so much more to explore and understand.”
By
Staff Report
Campus
Office, Department or Center
Published
October 22, 2025
School
Topics
Around the World
RCs Around the World
Aniyah Brown, a Public Health major; and Olivia Long, a biological science major; hold up their passports at the event.
Arabic Language Program
Faculty and students from the Arabic Language Program including Emad Gerges, instructor in Arabic.
Participants received a stamp in their passport for every activity completed and a promotional item at the end.
Aspen Williams, an Allied Health Studies major; Victoria Parker, a theatre arts major; and India Fleming, a business major; hold up their passports at the second annual RCs Around the World.