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International Services to host 20th anniversary of International Reception

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EN Photo / Melissa Neubek

Food, fun and much, much more awaits you at this year’s International Reception. Marking its 20th anniversary, this event is not one to be missed. Every year, the Cohen Center Ballroom turns into a festival of cultural appreciation, featuring cultures of the many foreign students we welcome here at FGCU.

“We do a lot more than just studying abroad or helping with international students,” said Charlotte Bingham, the coordinator of International Services. “We really want to share this philosophy that we can help people have a broader understanding of what International Services does and what we can offer.”

And, this reception does just that, offering foods, presentations, music and more from cultures across the globe.

As the longest running tradition at FGCU, starting only weeks after the beginning of its inaugural school year, the International Reception has come to be a greatly appreciated and anticipated program on campus.

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Planning begins a full year before, with much thought going into the cultural presentations of music, dancing and performances as well guest speakers.

This event should be nothing short of great, according to Elaine Hozdik, the director of International Services.

“We have to plan the food, and right now, we’re working with our new catering service on campus. Then, we just have to do the room set-ups and decorations,” Hozdik said. “We make it very festive, representing lots of different countries in the world.”

In addition to the usual celebrations, there is more in store as Hozdik explained.

“We also have a surprise — the fact that it’s our 20th anniversary of this event — and, of course, that aligns with FGCU’s 20th anniversary,” Hozdik said. “So, that’s going to be one of the special differences.”

The International Reception is Friday, September 16. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., and the party kicks off at 5:30 p.m. in the Cohen Center ballroom.

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