Department of Psychiatry Cultural Events
February 23, 2018
The Fourth Annual Psychiatry Department Cultural Celebration was held on Friday, February 23rd, 2018. This year’s event attracted new and returning guests to a new, festively-decorated venue. Faculty, staff, and trainees dined on potluck treats from around the world and participated in a BINGO game to get to know each other and our cultural influences. Against a backdrop of world music and a slideshow of baby photos, ancestors, and homelands, adults and children mingled and decorated handprints to reflect countries of origin and other factors that shape our identity. The highlight of the evening was a performance from the UCSD student dance troupe ZOR. We were treated to a whirlwind Bollywood-style performance that they created on the theme of depression in order to decrease stigma and increase awareness about the importance of supporting those struggling with mental health issues. The dancers inspired us with their technical skill and dedication to this cause. We hope you will join the fun at next year's event!
February 24th, 2017
The Third Annual Psychiatry Department Cultural Celebration was held on Friday, February 24th, 2017. Organized by the Psychiatry Department Chair's Advisory Committee on Diversity Issues, the event was bigger and better than ever! Faculty, staff, and trainees provided a smorgasbord of tasty dishes and libations that reflected their cultural backgrounds, and many wore festive traditional outfits. A rolling slide show featured baby pictures and photos of Department members with cultural meaning. Members of Capoeira Mandinga entertained and impressed us with their high-energy blend of dance and martial arts. We look forward to seeing you at next year's event!
October 23rd, 2015
The Second Annual Psychiatry Department Cultural Celebration was held on Friday, October 23rd, 2015. Organized by the Psychiatry Department Chair's Advisory Committee on Diversity Issues and co-sponosored this year by the UCSD Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the event was a resounding success! Faculty, staff, and trainees sampled international dishes and libations and socialized while enjoying Greek guitar music. Activities included drawing the flag of your country of origin and a "Cultural BINGO" game that helped us discover unique aspects of each others' life experiences. Members of the Roots Dance Theater entertained us with a trio of international dances and then, with the help of Department Chair Igor Grant, got some party-goers to join them on the dance floor. We look forward to seeing you at next year's event!
September 30th, 2014
On Tuesday, September 30th, 2014, The Chair's Advisory Committee on Diversity Issues held its First Annual Psychiatry Department Cultural Celebration. Members of the Department, including staff, faculty, and trainees, came together to socialize and celebrate the diversity of our ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The event included a potluck buffet with mouth-watering dishes from different countries and various regions of the US. Attendees shared information about their origins by filling out name tags and placing a pin on a map of the world. Highlights of the festivities included a tango demonstration by talented dancers from the UCSD Department of Communications and an impromptu taste-test between whiskeys from Ireland and Scotland! Thanks to the efforts of the planning committee, led by Arpi Minassian, a wonderful time was had by all, and there was unanimous support for hosting the celebration again next year. Hope to see you there!