Saudi Arabian National Day

They represent a small number within Gonzaga's community, but their accepting and vibrant culture is something to be noticed.

Sept. 23 was Saudi Arabia National Day, recognizing the country's creation in 1932. The soon-to-be (pending GSBA approval) Gonzaga Saudi Arabian Club held a ceremony in the Cataldo Globe Room celebrating Saudi Arabian culture and announcoing its future existence. Attendees were greeted with Gahwa, Arabian coffee, signifying hospitality. Male students wore traditional white robes and headdresses and were stationed at tables with cultural features, such as household items with translation cards in English and Arabic. Other tables invited guests to have their name written in Arabic or take a photo wearing a traditional Saudi outfit.

The festivities continued until the crowd settled, some into their seats, most on their feet. Vice President Mishaal Alruwaili and President Haitham Al Mahna then spoke, summarizing the history of Saudi Arabia, discussing the club's objective to integrate itself into the Gonzaga community, and thanking those who have helped establish the club.

"I hope with the establishment of the club, Saudis and Americans will come closer. I love my school, I love my country. I hope we can all work together in dedicating ourselves to humanity and making the world better," Al Mahna said.

"We have a large number of Saudi students and we have no representation. I'm a person with huge ambition," Al Mahna said. "I hope to one day go back to my country and make a change to society. I have to start somewhere. I believe I should serve my country and the people who have allowed me to come here. I would also like to show Gonzaga, which is a Christian university, the true meaning of Islam. I would like to merge the Saudi society with the American society as well as Muslim and Christian societies as common brothers."

The speech was followed by an Arabian dance performed by the club, and supported by drummers, flag-bearers and eventually the audience as the event dissipated back into festival. Dancing to both Saudi Arabian and Western music continued late into the night, ringing another year of unity.

"I enjoyed how friendly they were. They kept it short, they were thankful and appreciated education," junior Brooks Little said. "It made me realize they are more uncomfortable than you are, and to not underestimate the power of a ‘Hello.'"