For Immediate Release:
March 10, 2004
LEGISLATORS INVITE STUDENTS TO ATTEND
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AWARENESS DAY
Legislators
recently announced International Student Awareness Day at
the Oklahoma State Capitol on March 24th. The annual event
gives international students from high schools, colleges
and universities from around the state the opportunity to
learn more about Oklahoma and to celebrate the state's cultural
diversity.
The special event is part of International Awareness Week,
as proclaimed by Governor Brad Henry which is the last week
in March. The festival will feature 25 free booths, entertainment
and international cuisine. Students will be able to meet
other international students, discover Oklahoma, tour the
Capitol building, network with state officials, universities
and business representatives. The Oklahoma Department of
Commerce international trade office directors from six countries
around the world will also be participating.
The event is sponsored by the Joint Special Committee on
International Development. Hosts include Senator Bernest
Cain and Representative Ray
McCarter, the Senate and House Chairmen of the Committee.
"This is such a wonderful opportunity for international
students to get better acquainted with their new home, as
well as meet new friends. Last year, we hosted students
from over 65 countries," said Sen. Cain. "It is
our hope that this year's event will be even bigger and
better than the last; and we encourage all international
students to attend."
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the official program
will open at 10:00 a.m. in the House Chamber. Governor Brad
Henry will welcome the students to Oklahoma and to the
Capitol. Ambassador Edward Perkins will be speaking at the
event.
"I am so pleased that Gov. Henry proclaimed International
Awareness Week. It is important that we make these students
feel welcome and help bring awareness to the fact that we
do have hundreds of international students in our state,"
Rep. McCarter said. "We are so honored that Ambassador
Perkins has agreed to speak this year. This will be an enriching
experience for these students that they can take back with
them to their native countries as a highlight of their time
in the U.S. and Oklahoma."
Students can register online by going to the Senate website
at www.oksenate.gov
and clicking on the registration link at the bottom of the
page, or by contacting Peggy Leininger at 405-524-0126,
ext. 610. The registration deadline is March 19, 2004.
For
more information contact:
Peggy
Leininger : (405) 524-0126, ext. 610
