On Saturday, September 29, Dr. Farhana Loonat, SVC Philosophy/Political Science instructor, organized a successful community outreach effort into the Punjabi community in the valley, launching the first annual Bhangra, a traditional folk dance. The evening was held at SVC’s Mount Vernon Campus and featured dance performances by Rhythms of India, a Seattle-based dance group, followed by dinner and Bhangra in the cafeteria. The event was held in collaboration with SVC Student Services, International Programs, English Language Acquisition, Basic Education for Adults departments.

More than 175 guests enjoyed an evening and reported that they were very impressed by how well organized the event was, and by the warm welcome extended to the Punjabi community. The Bhangra event reflected the College’s ongoing commitment to serving our community through inclusion, diversity, and equity.

The program for the evening included remarks by SVC President Dr. Tom Keegan and Dr. Loonat, followed by information about the new South Asian Student Club by its president Gary Singh, the Basic Education for Adults program by Jennifer Boland, and English Language Acquisition by Bobbi Ash. Dr. Loonat established the Guru Nanak Scholarship through the SVC Foundation, and Anne Clark, Vice President of College Advancement and Executive Director for SVC Foundation, conducted the ceremony to launch the scholarship that will help support South Asian students at SVC.

Many thanks to all who helped support this event: SVC Foundation, Multicultural Student Services, Enrollment Services, Jennifer Boland, Rainbow Alliance, Social Justice Club and the Human Services Club, as well as sponsorships from 25 area businesses. The event would not have been successful without the support of SVC Maintenance, Security Services, Culinary Arts, and the team of volunteers from the Punjabi community, Job Corps, students, faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect was well done.