FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications, (304) 696-7153
 

2005 International Festival kicks off International Education Week

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University kicks off International Education Week Sunday, Nov. 13 with the 39^th annual International Festival in the Memorial Student Center’s Don Morris Room on MU’s Huntington campus.

The theme of the festival, which takes place from 3 to 6 p.m., is “Together in a Global Community,” emphasizing the pressing need to understand each other in light of current events worldwide.

The festival features exotic foods, traditional music and dance along with displays representing more than 60 countries and cultures. All of this will be provided by Marshall University international students and international community individuals and groups such as the Huntington Women’s International Club.

Currently, Marshall has 400 international students enrolled from more than 60 countries.  Exhibits, food sampling and entertainment will be provided, and admission is free.

In addition to the International Festival, Marshall is host to the 3^rd annual Festival of Flags, which features a spectacular display of flags from all of the countries where the university draws international students or sends students to study abroad.  This semester’s festival features flags from more than 60 countries and regions of the world.  The Festival of Flags is sponsored by Student Affairs, the June Harless Center and the Center for International Programs.

Dr. Clark M. Egnor, executive director of Marshall’s Center for International Programs, said the festival is the perfect opportunity for individuals to celebrate the rich diversity found in the Tri-State area.

“The International Festival allows the community to celebrate its multi-cultural heritage and showcases the many nationalities of those studying and teaching at Marshall University,” Egnor said.

All Tri-state area residents are invited to attend the festival.  For further details about the International Festival and International Education Week activities, persons may contact Scott C. Hoppe, director of the International Students and Scholars Program, at (304) 696-2379, hopes@marshall.edu, or visit the Marshall University Center for International Programs office in Old Main 320.

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