UAM Honors Students and Faculty of Other Nationalities During International Week

Managing Editor

Photo by Indra D. Kriner

Something Different - Dining hall cook Sherry Brown prepares piperade, a French dish of scrambled eggs and vegetables.

   The University of Arkansas at Monticello celebrated the cultural heritages of its international students and faculty during International Week Feb. 14-18.

   Events included a cultural display and the annual International Luncheon as well as a full week of world dishes served in the dining hall.

   A group of displays featuring each country represented by international faculty and students was shown in the Adams Room of Harris Hall. Created by the participants themselves, the exhibit showcased artwork and craft, pictures, written text and other artifacts..

   “It’s very well-received,” said Mary Whiting, dean of Enrollment Management, director of Admissions and international officer.

   Kenneth Wilkerson, a sophomore majoring in history and English literature at UAM, visited the display.

   “I’ve always been interested in other countries and other places,” Wilkerson said. “I like to see what’s different.”

   Students also enjoyed sampling a variety of foreign foods in the dining hall during International Week, from Serbian muckalica and cevapcici on Monday to Mexican nopalitos on Friday. Flags from various countries adorned the area in recognition of the event.

   The Executive Council and participating international students and faculty also gathered for the annual International Luncheon in the Senate Room of the Gibson University Center Feb. 16.

   The International Club, headed by Whiting, plans the events for each International Week. They also placed jars around campus to collect money for the Drew County United Way.

   “I encourage service projects,” Whiting said. “Because I think the students want to give back.”

   Whiting spearheaded UAM’s effort to join the nation’s universities in celebrating International Week “About four or five years ago." Roughly 10-12 countries have students at UAM any given semester, she said.

   The International Club meets once a month in the Admissions office, and all are invited to attend. For more information, contact Whiting at whitingm@uamont.edu.

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