International Vandals from various areas around the world came together in celebration of the new school year last Wednesday.
The University of Idaho welcomed international students to campus, both old and new at the International Programs Fall Kick-Off, held at Ghormley park. During the event, coordinators handed out food and designated social events for international students to enjoy.
“We have 750 plus international students on campus this year,” said Mary Ellen Brewick, director of international marketing and recruitment. “We represent 73 different countries and that number is growing increasingly each year.”
Brewick said the kick-off is a Vandal tradition dating back many years.
“The BBQ has been a tradition long before I arrived here 10 or so years ago,” Brewick said.
Many international students had positive things to say about UI and the event.
“This event is amazing,” said Gohar Ijaz, an international student from Pakistan. “It’s a place where foreign people can come together it makes you feel like they are not far from home it feels like we are all family.”
During the event, coordinator Morgan Gardner introduced herself and gave a brief welcome to the audience.
“We really love having this much diversity on our campus,” Gardener said. International students gathered around tables and various other locations in the park as they socialized with one another and various members of the faculty.
“Two things are important about this event — one is that we welcome international students, we want them to feel like they are part of the vandal family, because they are, and second we want to help increase our non-international students’ knowledge about different cultures by creating a diverse community on campus,” Dean of Students Blain Eckles said. “We hope to create a bridge between community and cultures.”
The Volunteer Center plans change drive to raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the University of Idaho is combining its efforts to support a national cause.
The Volunteer Center, in partnership with ASUI, will be tabling Wednesday in the Idaho Commons Food Court, Student Media Office and the Student Recreation Center lobby to raise money through a change drive for the American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey relief fund.
“People can donate change or any amount they feel inclined to donate,” Volunteer Center Coordinator Cailin Bary said. “We have an opportunity to make a difference, let’s do this.”
Bary said students will not only have the chance to donate in the Idaho Commons, but other locations as well because the event works in partnership with other organizations on campus such as Residence Life, Greek Life, athletics and Vandal Dining.
The goal is to raise $1,000 in relief funds, however Bary said they hope to raise even more.
“There are more than 8,000 students on our campus, so if every student chips in a little bit, we figured we would be able to reach $1,000, if not more,” Bary said.
Students are encouraged to donate more than change and can deliver items such as socks, shirts, toiletries and more to the Campus Visits Office in the Bruce Pitman Center, Bary said.
“As Vandals, we’re all really connected to our community and service and community engagement is a value of ours, so I think it kind of aligns with our values. So, when we see there is a need that we step up and step forward to try to help fill that need and do everything we can to provide assistance.”