The Hall Hosts First Ever Albanian Independence Celebration

President of the Albanian Student Organization, Nancy Kajo and advisor Ines Murzaku, Ph.D., pose with members of the Port Authority Police Department Illyrian Society at Seton Hall University's Albanian Independence Day celebration.

On November 14, 2024, the Albanian Student Organization at Seton Hall University hosted its first-ever Albanian Independence Day celebration, bringing together over 200 guests to honor the rich heritage and history of Albania. The event, organized by Seton Hall's Albanian Student Organization (ASO), was a remarkable success, showcasing both the vibrant Albanian-American community and the university's commitment to fostering cultural diversity.

Held in Bethany Hall, the celebration featured a heartfelt opening with attendees rising in unison to honor the American and Albanian flags, presented by the Port Authority Police Department Illyrian Society. National anthems from both Albania and the United States were played, creating a poignant moment of unity and respect.

Amongst the Port Authority Police Department Illyrian Society, the event was also attended by many other Albanian organizations such as Vatra, 'Gazeta Dielli', Albanian American Association of Ulqin, Albanian American Cultural Center of Riverdale NJ, Manhattan University Albanian Club, St. John's University Albanian Culture Club, Albanian Roots Club of St Francis College, Rutgers University Albanian Club, Princeton Albania Kosovo Student Association, and the Albanian Alliance of NJ.

Guests and performers unite in a lively traditional 'Valle' dance, celebrating Albanian culture during Seton Hall's first-ever Albanian Independence Day event.

Father Gerald J. Buonopane, who was in attendance on behalf of the President and Provost office, shared:

"I was so impressed by the large number of people in attendance, young and old, with obvious enthusiasm and gratitude for their beloved Albania. I witnessed a people truly grateful for their nation's independence which they do not take for granted. I felt great joy to see the excitement in the young people. Their parents and grandparents impress upon them to love Albania and to pray for their homeland. I was amazed by the dancers, so many young people showing their great talents. What an evening of joyful celebration! Thank you for a wonderful experience that will last in my memory."

The evening was filled with cultural performances that highlighted the beauty of Albanian traditions. The Albanian American Cultural Center of Riverdale NJ delivered stunning dance and singing performances, while Albanian musician Edmond Nikolla also captivated the audience with his powerful voice as all were brought together in dancing the traditional "Valle" throughout the night.

In a special moment of recognition, Nancy Kajo, president of the Albanian Student Organization, received a Leadership Award from the Port Authority Police Department Illyrian Society for her dedication to preserving and celebrating Albanian culture on campus.

From left to right: Sylvia Bojkovic (PR Chair), Matilda Mbrati, Ariola Kadrija, Nancy Kajo (President), and Arta Boljevic (Event Coordinator) gather to celebrate the success of Seton Hall University's first-ever Albanian Independence Day event.

Reflecting on the milestone, Kajo remarked:

"One year ago, when I founded this organization I dreamed of creating a moment exactly like this one, an unforgettable cultural celebration that Seton Hall had never experienced before. Thank you to every guest who joined us to make this night unforgettable. I'm excited to see what the future holds for this amazing group, and I look forward to making this event even bigger and better with each passing year. Rrënjët tona janë forca jonë."

The event was not only a celebration of heritage but also a philanthropic effort, with 100 percent of the proceeds from the evening going toward supporting students in need in Vlorë, Albania. This initiative aims to provide essential items to schools in Vlorë, ensuring that the next generation of Albanian students has the resources they need to succeed.

Arta Boljevic, event coordinator of the Albanian Student Organization at Seton Hall University, expressed her gratitude in planning the success of the event:

"I will forever be thankful for the chance to help organize our first-ever Albanian Independence Day celebration here at Seton Hall. It means so much to me that we were able to raise so much for the students back home in Albania, and celebrate our heritage while doing so. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm filled with excitement. I can't wait to host our second annual Independence Day celebration in the upcoming year."

As the Albanian Student Organization continues to grow, ASO members remain committed to promoting Albanian values, heritage and unity, both within the Seton Hall community and beyond.

Ines Murzaku, the organization's advisor and director of the Catholic Studies Program at Seton Hall, praised the students for their efforts:

"I am so incredibly proud of our students. This is a remarkable student organization success story at Seton Hall University, exemplifying how our diverse student body can come together to create something meaningful and impactful. By bringing together students of different cultural and religious backgrounds, this organization not only fosters unity but also embodies the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching in action by promoting solidarity, inclusivity and a shared commitment to the common good. It is a shining example of how we at SHU strive to live out our Catholic mission and values in every aspect of campus life."

Overall, the evening was filled with warmth, community spirit and a shared commitment to preserving the cultural legacy of Albania.

Categories: Campus Life

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