The Student Affairs Office and the Associated Students of Cuyamaca College with the cooperation of Dr. Sami Jihad sponsored a Chaldean Day at Cuyamaca College on October 5, 2006 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 P.M. on the college grand lawn.

The purpose of this hour was to reflect on the rich traditions, customs and practices of the Chaldeans.  The event was attended by His Excellency Bishop Sarhad Yawsip Jammo of St. Peter Chaldean Diocese, Fr. Michael Bazzi of St, Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral, and Fr, Emad Al-Sheikh of the Syriac Catholic Church. Also in attendance were the President of Cuyamaca College, Dr. Geri Perri, Vice President, Student Development & Services, Dr. Joseph M. Marron, Dean of Admissions and Records, Dr. Beth Appenzeller , Board of Trustees, Mr. Rick Alexander and Dr. Timothy L. Caruthers, Cuyamaca College Foundation Member, Mr. Dave Meyer, Executive Dean, Institutional Advancement, Mr. Henri Migala, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, Sharon Barrett and many senior staff and faculty of Cuyamaca College. Over one thousand five hundred Chaldean students and other nationality students of Cuyamaca College attended this magnificent and historical event.

The food of this event was catered by the Chaldean Owner of Ali Baba Restaurant, Othman Yousif and the music was played by an Iraqi music major, Jalil Suwedi. There were also CD’s with Chaldean music played and our Chaldean students performed their famous native Chaldean dance. The event was extremely successful that won the admiration and appreciation of all those who attended. Followed this event there was an evening presentation by Dr. Sami Jihad on the fascinating history of the Chaldeans and their homeland “Babylon” known as the Cradle of Ancient Civilization as well as the famous “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” one of the Seven Wonders of the World.   

The Chaldean hour was so remarkable that the Chaldean students can take great pride in their heritage, culture, tradition, and their achievements in their new homeland the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Dr. Sami Jihad