Polynesian week brings island culture to students at USU
As cold air blew outside, the TSC Sunburst Lounge was transformed into an island paradise for Polynesian Student Union Week.
The Polynesian Student Union is a multicultural student organization made up of students to promote the Polynesian culture. Each year, they dedicate a week to sharing their culture with USU through food and events.
“The week is all about promoting our culture to the campus and community,” Victoria Pavia, a freshman majoring in journalism, said.
Each Polynesian culture was represented throughout the week with vibrant displays and presentations of taped dances continually playing in the Sunburst Lounge. Various crafts and keepsakes were also sold to support the annual luau that is held in the spring.
Some of the activities students were invited to try were hula dancing, Poi balls and Tahitian dance performances. Pavia said the PSU is always eager for people to come learn dances to perform in the annual luau.
Denelle Manoa, who has become part of the Polynesian culture through marriage, said she enjoyed participating in the events of the week. “It’s been neat being able to come out and be able to partake of everything from the different cultures.”
Another important aspect of the PSU week was the food. Aggie ice cream was offered to students along with traditional Polynesian dishes. Haupia, made from milk, coconut and sugar, is a dessert from the Hawaiian Islands students could taste and learn about.
A cookout was also a highlight of the week for both the PSU and students. Rice, macaroni salad and teriyaki chicken could be enjoyed for three dollars and all proceeds went to support the spring luau. Adam Lane, a geography major, said the chicken was “delicious.”
“It gives a little flavor and a touch of Polynesia to everybody,” Fa’aa’e Lata, secretary of the PSU, said. “Because Polynesia is all about eating.”
Members of the PSU said the thing they love most about the organization is its family feel. This aspect is one thing that they want to convey to USU
“We’re all brothers and sisters,” Pavia said. “We can depend on everybody to help us out.”
-bmnelson@cc.usu.edu