Legislators Invite Students To Attend International Student Awareness Day

Legislators recently announced International Student Awareness Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol on March 24th. The annual event gives international students from high schools, colleges and universities from around the state the opportunity to learn more about Oklahoma and to celebrate the state's cultural diversity.

The special event is part of International Awareness Week, as proclaimed by Governor Brad Henry which is the last week in March. The festival will feature 25 free booths, entertainment and international cuisine. Students will be able to meet other international students, discover Oklahoma, tour the Capitol building, network with state officials, universities and business representatives. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce international trade office directors from six countries around the world will also be participating.

The event is sponsored by the Joint Special Committee on International Development. Hosts include Senator Bernest Cain and Representative Ray McCarter, the Senate and House Chairmen of the Committee.

"This is such a wonderful opportunity for international students to get better acquainted with their new home, as well as meet new friends. Last year, we hosted students from over 65 countries," said Sen. Cain. "It is our hope that this year's event will be even bigger and better than the last; and we encourage all international students to attend."

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the official program will open at 10:00 a.m. in the House Chamber. Governor Brad Henry will welcome the students to Oklahoma and to the Capitol. Ambassador Edward Perkins will be speaking at the event.

"I am so pleased that Gov. Henry proclaimed International Awareness Week. It is important that we make these students feel welcome and help bring awareness to the fact that we do have hundreds of international students in our state," Rep. McCarter said. "We are so honored that Ambassador Perkins has agreed to speak this year. This will be an enriching experience for these students that they can take back with them to their native countries as a highlight of their time in the U.S. and Oklahoma."

Students can register online by going to the Senate website at www.oksenate.gov and clicking on the registration link at the bottom of the page, or by contacting Peggy Leininger at 405-524-0126, ext. 610. The registration deadline is March 19, 2004.