WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 9, 2020 — West Liberty University’s Rollie Williams International Center marks International Month this November with a variety of events, both virtual and in person.
“We knew we’d have to celebrate the annual observation of International Month in a special way this fall due to the pandemic and have planned events that can be held outdoors like last week’s cricket demonstration and a Tea Time To Go as we observe social distancing rules,” said International Student Advisor Ryan Glanville, who along with Director Mia Szabo coordinates much of the International Program and its recruiting efforts.
The month began with a Nov. 2 campus presentation by Professor Dr. Felipe Rojas on Dia de Muertas (Day of the Dead).
Then last Wednesday, there was a demonstration of the game of cricket on the campus quad for students and employees to observe or take part in.
Still to come during International Month are:
- Wednesday, Nov. 18, African Drum and Dance Team performance under the direction of Dr. Mitch Greco, College Union Ballroom, open to all.
- Wednesday, Nov. 18, Global Fair: Study Abroad and International Initiatives, with presentations from the faculty and members of the International Office, College Union Alumni Room.
- Wednesday, Nov. 18, Tea Time To Go, presented by the Rollie Williams International Center and SPICES (International Student club), College Union Alumni Room, open to all.
- Thursday, Nov. 19, 1 – 2 p.m., International Implications of the Recent Election with Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Brian Fitzpatrick, College Union Alumni Room, lecture format, open to all.
- International Transgender Day of Remembrance, virtual program coordinated in part by the WLU Diversity Committee and featuring Wheeling City Council member Rosemary Ketchum sharing videos on WLU’s Student Activities Instagram.
Senior Adwit Lamichane of Nepal is enjoying his experience on the Hilltop and encourages everyone to take part in one or more of this year’s events. A business major with an entrepreneurship focus, he serves as president of the International Student Club and misses the pre-pandemic variety of activities.
“COVID-19 restricted us from doing so many events this year and shortened the number of events greatly but I encourage everyone to still get involved, even virtually and celebrate international month,” Lamichane said.
“I’m grateful for the small size of our campus because it has given me many networking opportunities. It’s easy to make friends and I am pleased to share my culture with others.”
Though 2020 has been anything but normal, WLU’s enrollment includes 49 international students this fall and of these 49 students, seven are studying remotely, but the rest are on campus.
Countries represented this year include: Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, India, Ireland (Republic of Ireland), Italy, Japan, Mexico, Mongolian People’s Republic, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, Thailand, UK -The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uzbekistan and Venezuela.
For more information on the Rollie Williams International Center, please call Szabo at 304.336.8270 or Glanville at 304.336.8382.