Iowa State is a diverse institution with students from all over the country and world. The Student Union Board sponsored the Global Gala event, “From Ames to Everywhere,” Friday night at the Great Hall in the Memorial Union.

The evening started at 8 p.m. with free hors d’oeuvres and “take-off” started at 9. Michael Heath, senior in performing arts, and Anna Prisacari, graduate student in chemistry, originally from Moldova, hosted the event.

“It is an annual event, and it not only brings education, but it provides a great entertainment show,” Prisacari said.

Among the groups performing were Puerto Rican Student Association, Guang Hwa Lion Dance Group and the Celtic Dance Society.

“We send email out to all the diverse and fine arts groups, and those who wanted to perform are here tonight,” Prisacari said. “Over 24 countries and five states are represented in the production tonight. This event is a great way to showcase their talents and culture and to show how many places students come from.”

Other groups that performed included Grandma Mojo’s Student Comedy Troupe, SuckaPunch [ISU Breakers] and ladies from the ISU Fashion Show.

“We are from the public relations and marketing team for the Fashion Show, and we thought this would not only be a good way to promote the Fashion Show but a way to support the women of Ghana,” said Rebecca Bradshaw, senior in marketing.

Eleven girls were featured in a runway production with African style clothing to the song “Waka Waka [This time for Africa]” by Shakira.

“We are representing Ghana tonight, our clothes are from the ‘Global Mamas’ line. We got them from Worldly Goods in Ames; all the money goes to them, so it’s a good support mechanism,” Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw said they wanted to be involved in the Fashion Show but didn’t have much culture to show off, so promoting Ghana alongside the Fashion Show accomplished two things.

Brittany Petersen, sophomore in psychology, said the event was incredible.

“It was awesome. I learned a lot about all the cultures and countries represented at Iowa State,” Petersen said.

The event came to a close in its final rendition of “Wavin’ Flag,” which featured all 24 flags flown across the stage. The audience joined in at the end singing and clapping to the inspirational song, promoting global unity and peace.