Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey commended Troy University on Wednesday for its leadership role in international education.
Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., shared the Governor’s Commendation with international students and members of the University International Programs staff on the main academic quad following “Taste of the World,” an International Education Week activity.
“We began a journey a long time ago to turn Troy University into an international village,” Dr. Hawkins told the students. “Today, I believe we are more than a village and more than a town, we are a city and you students are a very important part of that. I think what you have brought to Troy is the world, and in the process of bringing the world to us, I think you have been exposed to the world as well. In this culture, you have an opportunity to experience people from all over the world. All of you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have a strong desire to have a bright future.”
Gov. Ivey’s commendation recognized the University’s international efforts, including the nearly 800 international students that study on the Troy Campus, the University’s international teaching sites and partnerships, study abroad opportunities, the Confucius Institute, and campus organizations such as the International Student Cultural Organization.
“I commend Troy University for bringing people from all nations and cultures together to forge mutual understanding and appreciation,” Gov. Ivey said in the commendation. “Troy University, as Alabama’s International University, is to be commended for assuming a major leadership role in international education.”
On Tuesday, as a part of International Education Week activities, the University hosted the Troy Rotary Club luncheon. The Troy Rotary Club has long been a supporter of the University’s international efforts, dating back to 1989 with the opening of the Rotary International House that included living accommodations for 14 students. Later, Troy Rotary committed $125,000 to create the Rotary International Center in Pace Hall to help accommodate the University’s growing number of international students.
During Tuesday’s luncheon, a flag ceremony recognized the top 10 countries sending students to Troy University: China, Germany, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain and Vietnam.
A joint venture of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week is held each November to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
“Taking part in International Education Week is a way for Troy University to bring awareness to the importance of international education and celebrate the impact that our international students have on the TROY family and community,” said Maria Frigge, associate dean of international student services.
Activities at the TROY campus, kicked off on Nov. 17 with an international soccer tournament and will conclude with the International Student Cultural Organization Festival set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 in the Trojan Center Ballrooms. Tickets for the event are $10 for students, $15 for non-students, and $5 for children under 12.
