The Walsh University World Student Organization hosted its fourth annual International Flag Ceremony on Thursday, November 16, and inducted its newest flag from Syria into the collection, which has grown to include 86 flags from around the world representing past and present students.
"When a student arrives to Walsh from a country that has never been a part of our family, we have the President officially accept their flag into our collection," said Director of International Student Services Kristi Campbell. "I think this event is an important opportunity to recognize our places of birth, our international ambassadors and the amazing members of the World Student Organization."
As a part of International Education Week, this special event is organized annually to formally welcome new and returning international students to Walsh. This fall, the University welcomed more than 100 international students from 35 different countries to campus.
"Today we celebrate our Walsh University international student population. All of the students have traveled many miles and many hours to be a part of the Walsh University family," said World Student Organization President Brianna Marin. "All of them are equal and worthy of being celebrated."
The event included desserts from around the world and entertainment by the Walsh University Chorale and international community members Carolina Bejarano Eyl, Melisa Valle, Roja Baruwal along with a blessing by Father Aristides Msaki and remarks by Walsh President Richard Jusseaume.
"As I go around the country, meet with alumni, attend conferences, shake hands with the Pope, one of the things I tell everyone about Walsh University is what an unbelievable blessing it is for our institution that we have so many international students on campus," said President Jusseaume. "Thank you to all of our international students for your talents, your competencies, your friendships, traditions and culture that you bring with you to enhance our campus. Thank you for being such a positive and wonderful asset and a blessing to us all."
Upcoming World Student Organization events include the highly anticipated annual International Dinner on March 17, 2018.