‘SEMO of the World’: Celebrate Cultural Diversity at Southeast This Spring
03/29/2017

Southeast Missouri State University’s international students are eager to share their cultures this spring and have extended an invitation to the University and regional communities to participate in their upcoming “SEMO of the World” events. Check http://www.semo.edu/international/semo-of-the-world for the latest schedule of events. “This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the numerous internationally-focused activities happening across campus and in the community during the remainder of the semester.  Not everyone is aware of the deep and meaningful ways Southeast is engaged in international education, and ‘SEMO of the World’ is an opportunity to demonstrate that engagement,” said Kevin Timlin, executive director of Southeast’s International Education and Services. “‘SEMO of the World’ is an opportunity to demonstrate how much we, as a University community, respect and value all that international students and scholars bring to the educational environment here. We hope everyone will take the time to attend some of these events to show that everyone from around the world is welcome here.” Southeast has 883 international students from about 50 different countries enrolled on campus this spring. “Southeast’s international students bring a lot of value to the academic and cultural life of the University and the community,” Timlin said. “We invite everyone to come out, celebrate our diversity and share in our many multicultural activities this spring.” Many different organizations have come together this spring to organize a variety of events, which collectively are being celebrated as SEMO of the World activities. Timlin particularly highlighted International Fashion Day as an event he hopes the entire campus embraces on Wednesday, April 19. On that day, the Office of International Education & Services invites everyone to dress in clothing, being both creative and respectful, that is representative of different countries and cultures from around the world. Everyone is then invited to a group #Youarewelcomehere photo at 12:30 p.m. in front of Academic Hall/Kent Library fountain. Additional upcoming events are as follows: Sihanada: Sri Lankan Night--Friday, March 31, 6-10 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church Sponsored by the Sri Lankan Student Association Ayubowan! Come join Sihanada for the fifth time at Southeast for a night offering the opportunity to experience the diversity of Sri Lanka filled with cultural performances and food. Great Decisions: Foreign Policy Discussion Group -- Wednesdays 2–4 p.m., Cape Girardeau Public Library Hosted by Dr. Frank Nickell, Southeast associate professor emeritus of history Great Decisions is a series of facilitated discussions on what the Foreign Policy Association considers to be the United States’ most important foreign policy issues. These events are hosted by Nickell, and each week features a presentation by a local person with expertise in the given topic. April 5 “U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum” April 12 “Latin America’s Political Pendulum” April 19 “Prospects for Afghanistan & Pakistan” April 26 “The Enduring Challenge of Nuclear Weapons” Brazilian Carnaval Night: Welcome to Rio!-- Friday, April 7, 6-9:30 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church Sponsored by the Brazilian Student Association Join in a high-energy night exploring the richness and diversity of Brazil by enjoying traditional Brazilian dishes prepared by Chef Juliana, a live samba performance by renowned Brazilian music and dance group Samba Bom, carnival dancers, samba lessons, bossa nova, capoeira, freestyle soccer and much more. Southeast Serves Weekend, April 7-10 Southeast Serves is a program that provides students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to engage in community service on and off-campus. South Campus Clean Up-- Friday, April 7, 2:30-4:30 p.m. The Office of International Education & Services (OIES) is organizing a south campus clean up event around the International Center, Pacific Hall, Dearmont Hall, Kent Library and the University Center as part of Southeast Serves Weekend. Volunteers should meet at the International Center (939 College Hill) at 2:30 p.m. to pick up a SE Serves T-shirt and clean-up supplies. http://signup.com/go/NqxgEs Cape Splash Clean Up-- Saturday, April 8, 12:30-2 p.m. Cleaning up Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center on Kingshighway is an annual event at which  Southeast Serves assists. Volunteers will help with a variety of projects around the water park to help get ready for the 2017 pool season. This event is a part of Southeast Serves Weekend. Transportation will be arranged by the Office of International Education & Services (OIES). Meet at the International Center at noon to pick up a SE Serves T-shirt and drive to Cape Splash. http://signup.com/go/r9k1rn Bangladesh New Year-- Friday, April 14, 6-10 p.m., University Center Ballroom Sponsored by the Bangladesh Student Association University & Chamber Choir Concert—April 18, 7:30 p.m., River Campus, Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall Songs will be sung in Hebrew, Spanish and English. Tickets: $12 /Students $3 International Fashion Day-- Wednesday, April 19 Everyone is encouraged to dress in clothing representative of different countries and cultures from around the world. Be creative and respectful. Then, everyone is invited to come together for a group photo: #Youarewelcomehere Photo-- at 12:30 p.m. in front of Academic Hall/Kent Library Fountain Sponsored by the Office of International Education & Services (OIES) Nepal Night-- Saturday, April 22, 6-10 p.m., Dempster Hall, Glenn Auditorium Sponsored by the Nepali Student Association I-Talk Series Sponsored by the Office of International Education & Services (OIES) I-Talk is a new series of interactive discussions on various international topics I-Talk “The State of International Education at SEMO”-- Tuesday, April 24, 2–3 p.m., University Center Indian Room Presentation by Kevin Timlin, executive director of International Education & Services (OIES) I-Talk “Studying Abroad…Remember to Live Again”-- Thursday, May 4, noon-1 p.m., University Center Redhawks Room Presentation by Elena Duenas Elena is from Colombia and graduated from Southeast in 1987 with her twin sister Enith.  Elena currently works in HR for the United Nations in Bogota.  She will share her experiences as an international student in the United States, and the impact that experience has had on her life and career.   Burma New Year: Water Festival-- Saturday, April 29, 4–6 p.m., Parker Field Sponsored by the Burmese Student Association Ladies Night Out-- Saturday, April 29, 8 p.m.-midnight, Recreation Center, West Gym Sponsored by the Office of International Education & Services (OIES) and Intensive English Programs (IEP) This event provides a safe and supportive environment for Muslim women to socialize with other ladies.  All ladies are welcome.