Nearly 200 people gathered at Newman University for the 8th annual Cultural Extravaganza March 29, an event celebrating the richness and diversity of global cultures.
Hosted by the student-led Multicultural Leadership Organization (MCLO), the event featured live performances, cultural booths, food and prizes — all organized by students and supported by local businesses.
Sofia-Grace Loewen, who graduated in December 2024 with her Bachelor of Science degree in biology, led this year’s event as MCLO president. Loewen has been involved with the organization since her sophomore year, after volunteering at the Cultural Extravaganza as a first-year student.
“To be able to carry on such an important and meaningful event truly feels accomplishing itself,” Loewen said. “My team this year and every year I’ve been involved puts so much time and effort into not only having a successful event but also living up to the legacy and expectations set in the past.”
The Cultural Extravaganza has become a beloved tradition at Newman University. The event’s mission is to foster community, education and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds that make up the Newman student body.
“With me being adopted internationally and transracially, learning about different cultures has always been something of normalcy for me,” Loewen shared. “Through learning about mine or others’ cultures, I found significance in having the opportunity to have more gratitude.”
This year’s event was made possible with the help of the following community sponsors who contributed food, gift cards and/or raffle items: Kendra Scott, Chick-fil-A, Emprise Bank, Thai Traditions, BossTea, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, Spice Merchant, Grace Market, Crafted, Texas Roadhouse, Kung Fu Tea and Sharky’s Island Bites. The Newman Dugan Library, the admissions team and Great Western Dining also supported the event.
“The most rewarding aspect is seeing all of the hard work the executive board puts in all year come to life,” Loewen said. “We really do have to work on planning and organizing the Cultural Extravaganza throughout the entire year, so finally seeing those hours of work and stress physically show in a successful way really feels accomplishing.”
Loewen, who was adopted from China and grew up in the Wichita area, said her sister’s positive experience with Newman’s science program inspired her to attend the university. Her involvement in MCLO over the past four years has helped shape her identity and leadership.
“My hopes for the future of MCLO are that the tradition, unity, leadership, being inclusive, having fun, being open-minded, being collaborative, and working with gratitude continue to show and help individuals grow in who they are,” she said.
She also gave thanks to the volunteers, sponsors and performers as well as Newman faculty and staff.
“The biggest thanks, however, go out to my executive team that put the work in to help me in creating a successful event,” Loewen said.
As the Cultural Extravaganza looks ahead to its next milestone, the student organization is determined to carry the torch forward, continuing to build bridges between cultures and people — one celebration at a time.
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