Matt O’Connor
On Friday, February 6th, 2026, the Office of Intercultural Initiatives and the Unity House hosted the 4th annual Breaking Bread. Since the event’s inception in 2023, Breaking Bread brings together people from across the Merrimack community to engage in meaningful conversations while dining on a curated menu inspired by the cultures and cuisines from around the world. Each year, a team of dedicated student volunteers help to organize the event, and the effort and passion that is put in is always on full display.
Ambar Cheuveret 26’ was the lead student organizer for this year’s Breaking Bread. In her words, Ambar described the meaning of Breaking Bread as “to share conversations with people who attendees may have never spoken to before.” The organizers worked directly with Greg Jain, the Director of Intercultural Initiatives, who recently completed his first full year in the position. A student speaker is also selected each year to speak at the beginning of the event, and Benjamen Kebreau – Maceus 29’ delivered a powerful speech about what the Unity House and the idea of belonging meant to him. Nate Llaga 27’ also helped coordinate the event and led an uplifting toast.
The menu for this year’s Breaking Bread consisted of three courses themed around cuisines from Europe, Asia and the Americas. While guests dined on their meals, engaging conversations were being made where folks discussed the values of tradition, culture, unity and belonging. These discussions were led by group facilitators who fostered an open and collaborative conversation. Members of the Merrimack ChamberChoir also lent their talents to the event in a delightfully moving performance.
Breaking Bread is always a highlight for the Merrimack community, as it’s a time where differences are put aside and meaningful conversations are made about the cultural and emotional values that we all share. The event represents how the Merrimack campus is one of belonging and unity where traditions and cultures from all over the world are welcomed and celebrated.
