By Haley Zeller
“May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.” – Trenton Lee Stewart
With the arrival of Family Weekend on September 27th, Susquehanna students and their families excitedly reunited to spend a fun, eventful weekend together. Students relaxed, connected with loved ones, and had a small taste of home. However, an important group of SU students could not be forgotten about- the international students.
With families and homes across the world, continents apart, the university did not want them to miss out on such an important, welcoming event. That is why Susquehanna University put together an International Fall Reception, which occurred on Friday, Sept. 27. Hosted by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), the reception offered a warm, friendly welcome for the international students, faculty, staff, and language fellows of the SU community.
Li Lian Schultz, a Student Support Specialist and welcoming face at the Burke Hawk Hub explained, “the International Fall Reception focuses specifically on our new students and staff.” Entering a fresh environment away from home, and for such an extended time, can be difficult on new students. The reception’s goal hopes to make students aware of the support available to them and express that their new community is happy to have them be a part of it.
Aside from the community on campus, members of Selinsgrove also get involved with the international students. Schultz said, “There are many families in Selinsgrove that reach out to our international students. Over breaks, families will take them out for dinner, go to see a movie, or visit local events happening nearby.” Their generosity does not go unnoticed, and they show just how important SU students are to the Selinsgrove community—including those who have come from other homes and cultures.
In addition to international students attending SU for their education, the university also welcomed exchange students and Language Fellows. The Language Fellows are foreign professionals, standing in this year as professors for the various languages taught at SU. With language teachers from Germany, Italy, and Spain, the community is excited to have them looking out for students and offering an innovative experience in the classroom.
While the event intended to receive those who didn’t have the ability to visit with their families, Schultz also expressed that the International Fall Reception was “welcome to all students and members of the campus community.” She hoped that many would consider going, and receive comfort and guidance from the event. It is important, that no matter where students and staff are in their journey at SU, they are always provided with a welcoming atmosphere. The environment on campus values diversity in cultures, and the International Fall Reception served as an embodiment of that principle.