On April 10, Ben Brown Plaza transformed into a global hub as students gathered for the 10th annual Global Connections. Hosted by SamfordGlobal, the event gave students a chance to explore different cultures, meet new people and experience what the world had to offer — no plane ticket required.
The event came a long way since its debut on campus. Originally created as a class project for international students to learn how to share their culture, it grew into one of the largest cultural events at Samford.
“The goal of Global Connections is to help represent the cultures among our faculty, staff and students to the rest of campus,” said Jordan Cummings, assistant director of SamfordGlobal. “Whether that’s through food, performances or study abroad, we want to spark curiosity in the Samford community to care more about the world around them and to be interested in its people.”
Upon arrival, attendees received a passport to carry from tent to tent, each one representing a global region. Visitors completed activities to collect stamps while sampling food, enjoying performances and learning about the traditions and experiences of people from around the world.
For Ana Sofía Triana López, SamfordGlobal International Students and Scholars intern, the event was personal. “Global Connections is truly the highlight of my spring semester,” she said. “It’s a time when I get to celebrate my culture alongside my peers. As an international student, I feel seen, loved and represented — especially as I watch students show genuine interest and engagement in learning about my culture and country.”
She also saw it as a chance for everyone to step outside their usual bubble. “It’s a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate cultures from around the world that I might not encounter on a daily basis,” she said.
The event showcased the cultural diversity present on Samford’s campus, and students from different backgrounds, clubs and organizations played a significant role in bringing it to life.
“It’s a great way to learn more about the different cultures that are represented on campus while also making new friends and learning more about what makes Samford so special,” said Allison Colyar, an International Ambassador and student planner for Global Connections.
In addition to the food and festivities, the event served as a gateway to Samford’s broader global engagement efforts. Many students who attended later explored study abroad programs like the Daniel House in London, gaining hands-on international experience.
Whether students were dreaming of going abroad or simply looking to learn something new during a break from class, Global Connections brought the world to Samford and reminded everyone how much they could learn from one another.
