Celebrating a World of Diversity

As the fourth quarter comes to a close each year, the W. P. Carey family sure knows how to celebrate. An annual tradition called Confluence unites the entire Full-time MBA community for an evening of song, dance, and artistry that leaves you truly amazed by the all-around caliber of your classmates. The event also showcases the cultural richness represented in the program — seen through many of the musical numbers, but also through food, including various delicacies from many of our students’ home countries.

“The goal of Confluence is to celebrate diversity,” says Sai Madala, president of the MBA Cultural Association, or MCA. “It’s taking time to appreciate our cultural differences and celebrate with the family at the end of every year.” This year’s gala featured several solo musical performances, a fashion runway, and individual as well as group dances, such as a scene from Bollywood.

“I was really blown away by all of the acts!” says Eugene Lee, MBA Association president and one of the night’s emcees. “I couldn’t believe how many amazing singers we have in the program. I personally really enjoyed Bollywood because I had the privilege of watching their practices for the previous days leading up to Confluence. It really came together well, and I saw how happy the dancers were at putting up their best performance.” Sai says he’s grateful to the entire MCA team for fostering such a high level of participation.

Around a hundred people showed up to this year’s party — including students and their families — and Lee is already looking forward to next year’s Confluence. “The variety of talent was amazing,” adds Eugene. “I think it speaks to the qualitative value of our program that just can’t be measured by ranking or observed at other schools.”