Every year, Mills International Center hosts a weeklong celebration of various cultural regions, but this year is different.
The theme for 2009 is “Journey to India,” and all events will offer an in-depth look into the culture and history of the country.
Mills International Center employee and program manager, Vania Situmeang, said there was one main reason why India was chosen.
University President Richard Lariviere earned his doctoral degree in Sanskrit and is the author of numerous articles and books that discuss the traditions, history and legal practices within the country. He does not have familial roots in India, but his ties to the country are quite significant.
“Because of the University president’s connection with India, this was a good opportunity for us to connect with the president during his first year, as well as learn more about a unique country like India,” Situmeang said.
International Education Week gives students and faculty a chance to learn more about a concentrated area of culture and history. The ASUO sponsors International Education Week, but Mills International Center chooses the country or region of focus.
The events throughout the week will range from formal presentations to games, social events, and henna tattoos.
With the variety of events offered, the Mills International Center aims to give students and faculty a deeper knowledge of India.
The week begins on Monday with an opening reception and speech from Lariviere. On Tuesday, there will be a sari demonstration, which will include the history of the garment as well as how to drape it correctly. A presentation from anthropology professor John Lukacs on the ancient history of India, as well as a discussion on Gandhi from English professor Jim Earl will also be held on Tuesday, and a showing and discussion of the film “Slumdog Millionaire” will be held on Thursday.
Adriane Bolliger, program manager at Mills International Center, said the center organizes International Education Week every year to showcase the rich tapestry of culture that is present in everyday students’ lives.
“It’s definitely important to learn about other cultures, and more increasingly, jobs require that people be bilingual and live in different cultures.
We want to nurture that sense of travel, that sense of exploration and culture, and this week is a perfect opportunity for us to foster that within the University,” Bolliger said.
Senior Callie Wheeler, Mills International Center resource consultant, believes the week of focusing on India will bring the culture closer to home for students who partake in the events.
“It allows us to show more facets of one culture rather than just touching on a bunch of different cultures,” she said.
“We are always looking for ways to promote international understanding, communication, and culture, and we are always looking to bring more people into the Mills Center from campus.”
“We are an international lounge full of resources for students, staff and faculty, and we provide educational elements on traveling and working abroad. This event is a perfect opportunity for us as a center and space to bring people in and educate them on international cultures and India this year,” Bolliger said.
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A tapestry of culture
Daily Emerald
November 11, 2009
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