VSU Hosts 32nd International Dinner Friday, March 28

VALDOSTA - Enjoy the essence of international life at Valdosta State University’s 32nd Annual International Dinner, beginning at 7 p.m., Friday, March 28, at St. John’s Catholic Church.

Hosted by Society of International Students (SIS), the special event serves as the group’s largest community event of the year and helps to connect VSU’s diverse international community with the citizens of Valdosta and the surrounding areas. The long-standing tradition dates back to 1976, when only a dozen international students were enrolled at Valdosta State College, but now community members join more than 250 international students for a large crowd that grows every year.

This year the SIS and the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration’s international business class have joined forces to offer the Fourth Annual International Business Night in combination with the international dinner. Dr. S. Andrew Ostapski, VSU professor of management, said the dual-purpose event will be a great opportunity for students and community members to meet and speak with those involved in international business.

“The combination of events makes a great deal of sense because the relationship is mutually beneficial,” Ostapski said. “Business students and VSU’s international community will have the chance to build personal contacts, which may result in friendship and successful business opportunities in the future.”

The City of Valdosta’s Economic Development Coordinator, Ruby Riesinger, will serve as the keynote speaker. She will be joined on stage by a host of VSU international students, who have organized and will perform songs, poetry and dances in traditional attire for this year’s show. Ostapski also said the night will feature running slide shows about international business, opportunities professional photos with international students, and books and t-shirts available for purchase.

The buffet line will tempt guests with a diverse display of the options from around the world, including appetizers, main entrees and delicious desserts from Belize, Croatia, Russia, Turkmenistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany and more. Winning ticket holders can claim door prizes from event sponsors, including an alarm security system from Alert Tech.

Only a handful of tickets are left, so interested participants are encouraged to act fast. Call the Center for International Programs at (229) 333-7410 or visit the Web site at www.valdosta.edu/sis for more information about the event or to purchase tickets.