International Week is May 2-8

OHIO STATE HOLDS INTERNATIONAL WEEK TO CELEBRATE CULTURE

COLUMBUS -- Students representing some 120 countries and 
nationalities will showcase their cultures and lifestyles at an 
international festival and 5K run May 3 as The Ohio State 
University celebrates International Week May 2-8.

"The purpose of this event is to celebrate diversity and 
encourage interaction among the Ohio State community by providing 
an environment that promotes participation in a global 
atmosphere," said Michael Penner, graduate administrative 
associate in the Department of Recreational Sports.  "This 
festival will be a great showcase of international students' 
music, food, activities and traditions, and will allow people to 
go around the world in one day in the spirit of friendship, 
culture and fun."

The 5K run is designed to promote the importance of healthy 
nations through fitness.  It will begin at 1 p.m. on the corner 
of Neil and 17th avenues, circle the Ohio State campus and end at 
the corner of 12th and Neil avenues.  The run registration fee is 
$6 for students, faculty and staff, and $8 for all others.  Each 
runner will receive a T-shirt.  

The festival will follow at 1:45 p.m. at 12th and Neil 
avenues and will kick off with opening remarks by David Williams, 
vice president for student and urban/community affairs.  The 
festival will feature performances by various artists, including 
a Japanese flutist, a steel band, Greek and Indonesian dancers, 
and an African step show.  Several vendors will sell 
international foods and cultural items.  

Other activities include:

-- "City and Landscape of Hudramont Valley, Yemen." 
Photographs and paintings depicting the ancient and current city 
and landscape will be on display Monday, May 4 in Oxley Hall, 
1712 Neil Ave., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-- "Women in Development Dialogue: Rural Women in Senegal."  
Coumba Gadio, a doctoral candidate in rural sociology, will 
discuss her research and field work with rural women in Senegal 
and the implementation of Women in Development programs, May 5 at 
4 p.m. in 122 Oxley Hall.

-- "An Evening of Middle Eastern Poetry Recitation," a 
reading of Middle Eastern poetry with English translations, May 5 
from 7 to 9 p.m. in Oxley Hall.  Middle Eastern delicacies will 
be served.  

-- Study Abroad Fair, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Oxley 
Hall.  Information on study, work or volunteer opportunities for 
students will be available.

All activities are free and open to the public unless 
otherwise noted.  For a complete calendar of events, call the 
Office of International Education, (614) 292-6101.

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Contact: Michael Penner, graduate administrative associate, 
recreational sports, (614) 292-7671.