SGA and ISCO collaborate to cheer on the Trojans

Students of different nationalities gathered at Tailgate Terrace to share food and companionship while cheering on the Troy University baseball team.

Troy’s Student Government Association (SGA) and International Student Culture Organization (ISCO) collaborated to hold an international potluck-style tailgate.

Attendees were encouraged to bring dishes from their home countries to the potluck. Hot dogs were provided by ISCO, as well as vegetarian options. If students were observing Ramadan, to-go boxes were provided.

“We were worried that with Ramadan going on, some international students who are observing Ramadan would not come because the event is before sunset,” said event planner and chairwoman of SGA’s international involvement committee, Elizabeth McMahan, a senior biomedical sciences major from Decatur, Alabama. “One of our committee members had the great idea of providing to-go boxes at the tailgate so these students can take home food to eat when they break their fasts.”

Students chatted with each other as they ate. When they were finished eating, they could play catch with the baseballs and mitts provided. The tables and tent were placed in direct view of Riddle Pace Field, giving attendees a direct view of the game.

The event was advertised on ISCO’s social media before the event. The Trojans beat Marshall, 4-3, in the opening game of the series. The Trojans went on to win the series over the Thundering Herd, 2-1.

“Our baseball team is doing fantastic this year,” said ISCO President Thomas Baker, a junior history major from Prattville, Alabama. “Being an American-centric sport, I was looking forward to having international students here for a baseball game.”

While ISCO provided food, SGA set up the tents and tables. The entire process was a collaboration between the two organizations.  Dr. Jay Valentine, the sponsor for ISCO, helped both organizations by communicating with SGA and assisting with the setup for the event.

“Dr. Valentine was a huge help; we’re super thankful to be able to work closely with him,” said SGA international development committee member Coryn Kendrick, a sophomore biology education major from Thornsby, Alabama. “He does it all for the international students, he’s a one-stop shop for everything.”

Valentine shared his appreciation for SGA’s collaboration.

“SGA is great to work with and their leadership is always very generous in collaborating with us,” Valentine said. “Our president, Thomas, really loves baseball, so he wanted to bring people out to watch our team.”

For more information on future events with SGA and ISCO, follow both organizations on their Instagrams, @troysga and @isco_troyu.