Students, faculty, and staff dished up bowls of minestrone and broccoli cheddar soup, settling together at long tables, and on couches and side chairs.

During the noontime event in the Pierson Rooms, James shared his experiences growing up in the Republic of India and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and eventually immigrating to the United States with his family.

As his guests lunched, James explained the ancient history of his homeland, his cultural and religious heritage, and his family’s eventual journey to the United States.Soup and Stories