By: Jackson Yanosky
Student Involvement – Student Writer
The International Student Organization (ISO)’s annual Peace Dinner was held on November seventh in the Student Activity Center, and ISO president Bren Wells says “the outcome was above and beyond any [of her] expectations.”
Peace Dinner is a night of great food and celebration of the many cultures that call Auburn home. Featuring dishes from over 14 countries, Wells says that the event “exemplifies ISO’s overall mission of improving multinational understanding, easing the transition process for international students, and promoting relationships between people of different cultures.” She believes that this year’s event was “more than [she] could have ever dreamed,” and a resounding success.
“I was overjoyed to see the turnout and reception we received,” notes Wells Renkens, ISO Vice President of Operations and Internal Programs. He says that Peace Dinner helps “foster a global community of curiosity and understanding, bringing together our diverse community.” 
A large part of what makes Peace Dinner successful in its goals is the food. “Food,” Renkens says, “is an integral part of connecting across cultures.” Attendees can enjoy a taste of many nations’ cuisines and can do so alongside people of many different cultures. “A meal is a wonderful way to share experiences with others, connect, and get to know them a little better,” Renkens comments. 
An important aspect of planning Peace Dinner is the selection, preparation and reception of the dishes included. This year, ISO decided to “create the menu internally — picking recipes to represent as many of our student organizations as possible,” according to Wells. She says that this decision “cut out a lot of communication wait time and dismissed the possibility of organizations missing a submission deadline.”
The importance of each dish was exemplified in videos created by members of the cultural associations at Auburn. “We sought to explain more about the contents of the dish, its regional background, significance to that culture, and further [connection] on an individual level with presenters sharing personal stories about the dishes,” says Renkens.
The event drew the attention of hundreds of people around Auburn, with many notable members of the Auburn family present, including Aubie. “My favorite scene that I caught was a little girl trying to get Aubie to play with her… they sat down at the end of a table and arm wrestled. No one else was watching, but you could tell that it made that girl’s night. She will remember that moment forever,” says Wells. 
Wells and Renkens also note that the event’s success was fostered by ISO advisor Gretil Sutton. “She supports all of us so well and Peace Dinner would not have gone so flawlessly without her assistance. I couldn’t have asked for a more kind, intelligent, and thoughtful person to inspire and advise our team,” Wells emphasizes.
Culture, connection, and celebration are integral to the togetherness of the Auburn community, and Peace Dinner allows people time to enjoy these wonderful aspects of Auburn. When asked about the results of the event, Wells says “I think I’ve peaked in college… I don’t think it can get better than this.”