Global Vision Week 2017 has come to a close. This annual event was created to give students, faculty, staff and community members the opportunity to be exposed to different belief systems, heritages and perspectives. The Global Vision Week goal is to develop an understanding of others and to deepen our relationship to the world. 

This year‘s topic aimed at raising awareness on the experiences of immigrants and refugees through various presentations and events. 

Here’s a slideshow covering several events offered throughout the week and featuring the perspectives of students, staff members and guests. 

"Our goal is to teach and share our experiences with students." —Linda Sabic
Photo by Tony Anderson.

"The goal is to raise awareness on the reality immigrants live in." —Abshir Omar
Photo by Tony Anderson.

"This event is an opportunity to meet new people and learn about their stories." —Clemen Wilcox
Photo by Tony Anderson.

Sayu Bhiojwani addresses the crowd during GVU Global Vision Week.
Photo by Jared Reese.

Viking Council President Kendall Antle gives his welcoming statement for the Albert Ravenholt Visiting Scholar Address.
Photo by Rebecca Broerman.

GVU President Kent Henning, Student Body President Kendell Antle and VP for Advancement Bill Burma listen to the address.
Photo by Jared Reese

Students listen to Sayu Bhojwani's address.
Photo by Rebecca Broerman.

Albert Ravenholt Visiting Scholar Sayu Bhojwani addresses the audience.
Photo by Rebecca Broerman.

Students, staff and faculty pack Sisam Area for the keynote address.
Photo by Jared Reese

Sayu Bhojwani talks with students after her presentation.
Photo by Jared Reese

Three flavors of Mexican soda add a pop of color to the Interfaith Potluck.
Photo by Sarah Naberhaus.

Taylor Santi, president of Interfaith Group, shares the story behind the meatballs she brought to the Interfaith Potluck.
Photo by Sarah Naberhaus,

Carlos Rodriguez and Dr. John Lyden chat over their plates of food during the Interfaith Potluck.
Photo by Sarah Naberhaus

Prof. Alec Zama sizes up his options at the Interfaith Potluck.
Photo by Sarah Naberhaus

Pastor Russell Lackey stops at a table to talk about the cultural foods during the Interfaith Potluck.
Photo by Sarah Naberhaus

Students, faculty and staff showcased their creative talents in a poetry slam during Global Vision Week.
Photo by Tobias Tyler.

Students, faculty and staff showcased their creative talents in a poetry slam during Global Vision Week.
Photo by Tobias Tyler.

Students, faculty and staff showcased their creative talents in a poetry slam during Global Vision Week.
Photo by Tobias Tyler.

Students, faculty and staff showcased their creative talents in a poetry slam during Global Vision Week.
Photo by Tobias Tyler.

Students, faculty and staff showcased their creative talents in a poetry slam during Global Vision Week.
Photo by Tobias Tyler.

Students, faculty and staff showcased their creative talents in a poetry slam during Global Vision Week.
Photo by Tobias Tyler.

During Grand View University’s annual Global Vision Week three poets shared their stories of struggles, helping hands, and travel. Here students enjoy the powerful performance.
Photo by Mackenzie Herman-Olson

Paul Brooke reads poems from his travels to Brazil and Cuba. On the surface, many of his poems seem to focus on nature, but they all have a deeper theme about humanity.
Photo by Mackenzie Herman-Olson

Heather Derr-Smith recites an original poem from her book, Thrust. She wrote this book after working with Bosnian refugees.
Photo by Kaci Hodges.

Derr-Smith shares a poem from her new book, "Thrust," about the work she did with Bosnian refugees. Said Derr-Smith: “The past is connected to the present like a man’s arm to his shoulder. The punch that brakes the jaw in pieces, the hit that leaves you speechless.”
Photo by Mackenzie Herman-Olson

Anasia C. Sturdivant engages the audience with her sense of humor between recitations of her poems. Sturdivant is a social worker in Ames, Iowa, who also writes a variety of poetry about topics ranging from her family to police brutality.
Photo by Kaci Hodges.