NIU prepares to celebrate International Week

NIU will celebrate its fourth annual International Week, aimed at recognizing the importance of international education, from Sept. 23-28. This year's theme is "Building Bridges."

"The university has a long tradition of exposing our students to world cultures and preparing them to be well-informed, global citizens," NIU Provost Ivan Legg said. "The significance of those endeavors is underscored this month as we also commemorate the anniversary of the terrorism attacks."

International Week activities are designed to enhance awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultures represented within the NIU and DeKalb communities, and to provide greater awareness of the university's international education programs.

"The expertise of our internationally active faculty is widely recognized in the U.S. and abroad, and many are called upon to share that expertise through international training programs," said Deborah Pierce, the new executive director of NIU's Division of International Programs.

"Our study abroad programs are among the most extensive in the nation, and incoming international students and scholars make significant contributions to NIU and to the surrounding community," she said. "The cooperation between NIU and DeKalb in supporting these activities is outstanding."

Pierce also stressed the significance of the timing of this year's International Week celebration. "Particularly in light of the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the East Coast, it's wonderful that we in DeKalb and at NIU have the opportunity to reflect on our connections around the world. When we strengthen our ties with people of other cultures and nations, we work to reduce terrorism in the future."

The Division of International Programs oversees all international programs at NIU, which boasts 1,045 non-immigrant students and scholars and 683 lawful permanent residents, representing 115 countries. Additionally, about 300 NIU students studied abroad last year.

This year's International Week activities will include the following:

Tuesday, Sept. 24
Study Abroad Fair. Informational booths on NIU study abroad programs will be displayed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom of the Holmes Student Center. The fair encourages participants to investigate and experience the positive effects of study abroad to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Latin America.

Wednesday, Sept. 25
International Recognition Reception. The reception will be held in the Holmes Student Center Sky Room from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both students and faculty will be recognized for their accomplishments.

Friday, Sept. 27
Parade of Flags. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., the Parade of Flags will be led by DeKalb schoolchildren carrying the flags of more than 100 nationalities represented on NIU's campus. Parade participants will begin at the Campus Recreation Center and march to the Martin Luther King Commons, where DeKalb Ald. Andy Small and NIU Provost Ivan Legg will speak.