University News

President Encourages International Bazaar, Tsunami Support

April 5, 2005

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Dear Campus and Community Friends:

As the world becomes smaller and new technology levels the playing field for all nations, we are reminded on this campus that internationalization is a continuing endeavor. We must all be prepared--students, faculty, staff, and administration--to embrace its emerging challenges. As we internationalize our campus, there are two matters that I wish to bring to your attention.

First, on this Friday and Saturday evening, April 8 and 9, the 32nd International Bazaar will take place in the University Union Grand Ballroom. The theme for this year's bazaar is “United We Embrace the World." The Bazaar is a joint effort of the International Friendship Club, Casa Latina, and the Center for International Studies. Representatives from the many groups will display various aspects of their culture, including song, dance, and food. This is an important and enjoyable event that brings the campus and community together to recognize our international dependence and the contributions international students make to our campus and community. I encourage you to attend this function and enjoy the activities.

Second, during the Bazaar, there will be an opportunity to make a voluntary donation for the Macomb--Community Tsunami Relief Fund. Led by Thomas Tomlinson, Director of the Center for International Studies, a committee of campus and community members has been organizing efforts to collect money for long-term tsunami relief in Southeast Asia. Their efforts so far have led to about $2,000 being collected for the relief fund. As a community, we are moved by the plight of these individuals and their families. The recent aftershock has reminded us that the need to help our fellow human beings in Southeast Asia is still great, and we need to respond.

The theme “United We Embrace the World" is not only supportive of the tsunami relief effort, it is also appropriate for our entire internationalization efforts on campus. Together we embrace the world, as faculty, staff, students, and administrators. Also, what better way to illustrate the University Theme of Civic Engagement than to help our fellow human beings, no matter where in the world they may reside.

I hope to see you at the International Bazaar and wish to thank you for your support of this important event.

Sincerely,

Al Goldfarb
President
Western Illinois University

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing