18th Annual International Student Association Banquet at EKU

18th Annual International Student Association Banquet

The Master/Mistress of Ceremony for the Banquet were (l. to r) Benjamin Martinez (Puerto Rico), Stefan Hirn (Austria) and Dolores Couch (Panama)

One of the first events of the evening was the presentation of the flags of the more than 50 countries of students currently attending Eastern Kentucky University. The U.S. flag was brought in by the EKU Colonel.

Here the Indian flag (the country with the largest number of EKU students) is brought into the hall. The flags were brought into the banquet hall accompanied by percussionist Crystal Hudson (USA)

Banquet Speaker Joanne Glasser, President of EKU, goes over the program with Beth Blanchard, Director of International Services, prior to her presentation.

Rushda Majeed, President of the International Student Association gave a brief speech about how the international students add to diversity on the EKU campus. Then she introduced the officers. The officers on stage are (l. to r.) Shoeb Hasham (India), Director of IT; Dolores Couch (Panama), Director of Finance; Benjamin Martinez (Puerto Rico), Activities Coordinator; Zia Ur Rehman (Pakistan), Publicity Coordinator; Dr. Glen Kleine (USA), ISA Advisor; Erika Gil Valdez (Mexico), Secretary; Masaru Inoue (Japan), Treasurer; and Kiasha James (Trinidad and Tobago), Vice President. Rushda also introduced the presidents and other representatives of the of the international student organizations from Kentucky State University and the University of Kentucky. She also thanked Aramark, the EKU Colonel mascot, the Eastern Progress, the Media Resources Department, Kristina O'Brien, President of the Student Government Association, Sandra Moore, Director of the Diversity Office and Dr. James F. Conneely, VP for Student Affairs for their support of the banquet.

Following the banquet Dr. Conneely wrote:

November 24, 2003

Dear Rushda:

Thank you very much for a wonderful evening at the International Student Banquet. I have been at several institutions throughout the country, and I can honestly say this is the most enjoyable International Student Banquet I have had the pleasure to attend. The hard work and dedication that all of the student put into making this event successful was obvious, and I am proud to be a staff member of an institution with students who are truly committed to enhancing the diversity of our camputs. As we move forward to build a more inclusive community, the Banquet such as this one, is a cornerstone for that building process.

You and all of your student colleagues should be very proud of the success of the event and I am honored that Student Affairs was able to be a small part of your success. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future with any other issues, or events that Student Affairs can help to support. I look forward to working with you and other student groups.

Sincerely,

James F. Conneely, Ph.D.
Vice-President for Student Affairs

Prior to the show a young man got up on the stage and gave his own private and enthusiastic show.

The ISA performances were clearly unique. Following is a listing of the performances:

1. Opening Dance Guru Vandana - Sanjita Thapa-Chhetri (Nepal) A welcome prayer dance from South East Asia.

2. Classical Japanese song on guitar - Josh Hoskins (USA) Endless Rain.

3. Piano Solo - Mia Lís Wright (Belize) - "My Heart Will Go On", "Chopsticks" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

4. Songs - Joey Wan (Hong Kong) - "Lady Bug" and "My Old Kentucky Home."

5. Chinese Song - Allen Yang (China) singing "Chinese" a slow rock song.

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