By Gabriela Rodriguez
Central State University held their first Celebration of International Students, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014. Despite the cool autumn morning, the energy was vibrant and the students were honored to raise their flags upon the University’s campus.
The ceremony was dedicated to celebrate their rich cultures and acknowledge their academic excellence and support. Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Charles W. Ford Jr. said, “This ceremony should leave a lifelong impression in the minds and hearts of everyone present and remind us that we should all be together.”
The University’s commitment to its diversification was significantly expressed in the international processional of eight flags. The countries represented were The Bahamas, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jamaica, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe.
Romario McKenzie, a freshman at CSU and business administration major who originates from Jamaica said, “I feel appreciated and recognized…It’s a great feeling, actually.”
According to the Ohio Board of Regents, the university system of Ohio is one of the largest comprehensive public systems of higher education in the nation serving 600,000 students. Central State University offers a variety of academic and athletic opportunities where students can develop the knowledge and skills to be successful upon graduation.
“I appreciate the efforts of Central State University to dedicate a site on campus that commemorates the specific countries represented by the international students,” stated Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich in his proclamation read by Bob Hackett, member of the Ohio House of Representatives 74th District.
The legacy and establishment of academic success in this institution will continue to stand strong with its involvement and service of faculty and students from different countries around the world.
Courtesy of CentralState.edu.
