Students at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) come from all walks of life and represent a variety of cultures and regions. Area residents are invited to help the campus community celebrate that diversity at “Around the World with International Students” April 5.
Several international students attending MSU-WP will share information about their respective countries shortly after 6 p.m. in the Carol Silvey Student Union in Hass-Darr Hall.
Sponsored by the MSU-WP International Students Association and students from Dr. Kathy Morrison’s International Relations class, the event will feature lively and engaging visual presentations by students from New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, South Korea, Cameroon and Brazil that showcase the things they love best about their homelands.
“We have been made very welcome here,” one of the scheduled presenters said. “We appreciate the support of the students and community. This is a chance to share something of ourselves and our countries with them.”
Dedication at Diversity Commons
At 6 p.m., prior to the presentations, the campus’ new Diversity Commons between Hass-Darr and Melton Halls will be dedicated with brief remarks from MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster.
The recently renovated area features flags from a number of countries around the world displayed on poles between the buildings. The initiative highlights the breadth of diversity found on campus and celebrates the different countries represented among the students, faculty and staff of the campus community, organizers said.
“We are very excited to have this addition to the campus to highlight the number of foreign countries that are represented on our campus by our faculty, staff and students,” said Dr. Angela Totty, dean of student services. “The richness their presence brings to the campus culture aids in preparing all our students for their future in an international world.”
Organizers of the events invite all to attend both activities. Refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m., prior to the dedication.
For more information, contact the MSU-WP office of student services at 417-255-7255.