Southeast Students Celebrate Cultural Diversity on International Fashion Day
04/20/2017

Southeast Missouri State University’s international students celebrated International Fashion Day in their native dress April 19, gathering in front of Academic Hall to celebrate the different countries and cultures from around the world represented at the University. The #Youarewelcomehere event was part of a larger slate of activities this spring, which collectively are being celebrated as “SEMO of the World.” International Education and Services created the “SEMO of the World” campaign to shine a spotlight on the numerous internationally-focused activities that many different organizations sponsor across campus and in the community. “SEMO of the World” was designed to demonstrate how deeply involved the University is in international educational activities. All these activities are another way to show current and future international students they are welcome here. “It’s been amazing to see the campus community come together and support one another,” said Kevin Timlin, executive director of Southeast’s International Education and Services. “The events thus far have shown how diverse we are at Southeast and the amazing skills and efforts of our international students to share their culture with the campus community. Yesterday’s successful #Youarewelcomehere event highlights the positive message that our University is a place where our international students belong and we hope to host this event annually and to see it grow.” Southeast has 883 international students from about 50 different countries enrolled on campus this spring. Timlin said there are still several upcoming events for the University community to participate in through April to support Southeast’s diversity and to show that everyone from around the world is welcome here. Additional upcoming events are as follows: Great Decisions: “The Enduring Challenge of Nuclear Weapons” – Wednesday, April 26, 2-4 p.m., Cape Girardeau Public Library Hosted by Dr. Frank Nickell, Southeast associate professor emeritus of history, Great Decisions is a series of facilitated discussions on what the Foreign Policy Association considers to be the United States’ most important foreign policy issues. Each week features a presentation by a local person with expertise in the given topic. Nepal Night – Saturday, April 22, 6-10 p.m., Dempster Hall, Glenn Auditorium Sponsored by the Nepali Student Association I-Talk Series  Sponsored by the Office of International Education & Services (OIES), I-Talk is a new series of interactive discussions on various international topics I-Talk “The State of International Education at SEMO” – Tuesday, April 24, 2-3 p.m., University Center Indian Room Presentation by Kevin Timlin, executive director of International Education & Services (OIES) I-Talk “Studying Abroad…Remember to Live Again” – Thursday, May 4, noon-1 p.m., University Center Redhawks Room Presentation by Elena Duenas. She is from Colombia and graduated from Southeast in 1987 with her twin sister Enith. Duenas currently works in HR for the United Nations in Bogota. She will share her experiences as an international student in the United States, and the impact that experience has had on her life and career. Burma New Year: Water Festival – Saturday, April 29, 4-6 p.m., Parker Field Sponsored by the Burmese Student Association Ladies Night Out – Saturday, April 29, 8 p.m.-midnight, Recreation Center, West Gym Sponsored by the Office of International Education & Services (OIES) and Intensive English Programs (IEP), this event provides a safe and supportive environment for Muslim women to socialize with other women. All ladies are welcome.