Oct. 22 World at KU reception to recognize international community

LAWRENCE -- The international community at the University of Kansas will gather at the fourth annual World at KU reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the Kansas Union ballroom.

State legislators and officials as well as representatives of consulates in the Kansas City area have been invited to join KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway and Diana Carlin, dean of the graduate school and international programs at KU, in welcoming the more than 1,700 students and international scholars at KU this year.

All international students, scholars and faculty are invited. Hemenway will make an address and will present the International Student Organization Service Award.

"The international community here is a vital part of what makes KU a great university," said Joe Potts, director of International Student and Scholar Services. "It would be hard to overestimate the contributions of visiting scholars and faculty to research and teaching, and the presence of international students helps domestic students understand that the world is bigger than just this state or this country. This reception is an effort to show our appreciation for what these people mean to KU."

At the reception, more than 100 flags of nations represented by students and faculty at KU will be on display.

KU's International Student and Scholar Services and Office of International Programs are sponsoring the reception.