Archive
Conference Summary
Best Practices
Alcorn State University
Multicultural/International Initiatives
Archive
Fall 2007
Last Fall 2007 IMSO event:
International Holiday Celebration
Organized by Student Engagement Office
Friday, December 7, 12:00 - 1:30pm
Ground Floor Lobby, Rowan Hall
International and Domestic Students, Faculty and Staff Share Their Holiday Traditions and Memories
Refreshments Provided
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December 1, 2007
IMSO Educational Trip to Jackson, MS
Itinerary
1) Jackson Zoo, 2918 West Capitol Street.
Attend the "Snow Day" program includes: learning about Snow Leopards, playing in artificial snow and watching international students making up the Snow Leopard habitat and range, sharing cultural displays and presentations. Countries represented include: Russia, Pakistan and China. http://www.jacksonzoo.org/media/documents/071127SnowDayattheZoo.pdf
2) 12:30pm - Orchard retirement home, 600 Pear Orchard Road, Ridgeland.
IMSO members give poster presentations about their countries to the retirement home residents.
3) MS Museum of Art, 380 South Lamar St.
Attend "Angels in Italian Art" Exhibition.
The trip is organized in cooperation with the Global Program Office within the project
October 19, 2007, Great River Hot Air Balloon Festival opening, Natchez, MS
1/ 6:00 p.m. --Gates open for the Bicentennial Gardens Ballon Glow2/ 7:00 p.m. -- Fireworks3/ 8:00-10:00 p.m. -- Live music on Main Stage, Big Sam's Funky NationThe ticket is $ 5. 00/person. Please let Loan know by Thursday, October 18. e-mail her at Hongloan17@aol.com---------------------------------------------------------------
Delegation from Russian University Visits Alcorn
Alcorn State University continues to provide students, faculty and staff with unique and enriching experiences. The School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences, Global Programs and University Relations office organized a visit of a group from one of the oldest Agricultural Schools in Russia, Voronezh State Agricultural University (VSAU). The group visited campus on Wednesday, September 19 and Thursday, September 20, 2007. The group included President of VSAU, Vice President International Affairs, two faculty members and interpreter. This trip is the follow-up of the recent visit of the group from the School of AREAS to Voronezh, Russia. The primary purpose of the reciprocal visit is to discuss and sign an agreement of cooperation between the two institutions. The mutually beneficial cooperation will include student and faculty exchange and administrators’ collaboration, as well as joint research projects.
Everybody is invited to participate in the events organized in honor of the visitors from Voronezh State Agricultural University. The program of the campus visit included the following:
Reception
11:00 am – 11:30 am
Wednesday, September 19
Assembly Room
Ag Science BuildingSeminar/ Question & Answer Session
10:00 am. – 11:30 am
Thursday, September 20
Ray Johnson Auditorium
Ag Extension Bld
IMSO members met with the Russian group immediately after the Seminar in the 2nd floor conference room, Ag. Extension Building
Organizational News:
IMSO President 2007 - Hong Loan Nguyen
Vice President - Madhu Aditya
Miss IMSO 2007 - Martina Garda
Spring 2007
Attention IMSO members and guests!
As of January 19, 2007,
the time of the weekly meetings was changed to 12:20 p.m.
so everybody has time to go to the cafeteria.
You can bring your lunch with you to the meeting.
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Alcorn State Office of Global Programs Announces International Study Tour
Alcorn State University together with the University of Kentucky and Prairie View A&M University announces the beginning of International Study Program. ASU students have a chance to travel to Ghana in April-May 2007. Students will gain credit by registering in GP 401 (Study Abroad/Undergraduate Global Research Experiences) or GP 501 (Graduate Global Research Experiences). The course is open to all majors.
For details follow the link http://www.alcorn.edu/Bulletin/newsUR.htm
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Attention!!!!
Group trip to the Ice Park (Skating rink) in Jackson, MS on
Saturday, March 3rd. Leave campus at 1pm to attend 3-5pm session.
$7.65 per person.
Contact Loan at hongloan17@aol.com-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calendar of Events
January
Eleventh Moon Storytelling
Jan/27/2007 - Jan/27/2007
Location: Grand Village of the Natchez Indians - 400 Jefferson Davis Blvd.
The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians will present Eleventh Moon Storytelling. Local and regional storytellers spin tales about Indians and nature. Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free admission.
Visit Their Web Site: http://www.mdah.state.ms.us/hprop/gvni.html
Exhibit on Food Ways in Mississippi
Jan/27/2007 - Mar/11/2007
Location: Jefferson College.
An exhibit from the Museum of Mississippi History in Jackson.
February
Black History Month
Feb/01/2007 - Feb/28/2007
Location: Natchez Area
Black History Month is full of events that take place in and around Natchez.
During the month, the Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau encourages visitors and residents of Natchez and Adams County to visit historic sites such as the William Johnson House, NAPAC Museum, and The Forks in The Road Historic Site.
Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration
Feb/22/2007 - Feb/25/2007
Location: Natchez Convention Center
This year's theme is... SOUTHERN ACCENTS: LANGUAGE IN THE DEEP SOUTH
The Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, winner of an Olympic Award, the Governor’s Award, and the Mississippi Tourism Award, has been called by official evaluators Mississippi’s most significant annual conference devoted to literature, history, and culture.
Sponsored by Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Natchez National Historical Park, Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and Mississippi Public Broadcasting, the Celebration annually presents a theme-based lecture series enhanced by films, field trips, workshops, exhibits, book signings, and discussions.
Each year since the NLCC began in 1990, the conference has been made possible in part by the Mississippi Humanities Council under a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Most of the programs throughout the event are free... For a complete schedule and priced tickets, or for more general information, please log onto www.colin.edu/nlcc
Visit Their Web Site: http://www.colin.edu/nlcc
March
Group Trip to Ice Park (Skating Rink) in Jackson, MS
March 3rd, Saturday.
Spring Pilgrimage
Mar/10/2007 - Apr/14/2007
Location: Natchez and Surrounding Area
One could say that The Natchez Spring Pilgrimage started by accident. Indeed, no person attending the 1931 State.
Garden Tour in Natchez had planned to go into any of the homes. However, for whatever reason and there have been several proposed, most relating to the weather, it was suggested that maybe the guests would enjoy peeking inside the beautiful structures.
Historic House Tours
Mornings 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Afternoons 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Twenty-eight antebellum mansions, many of them private residences, open their doors to visitors during this five-week Pilgrimage every spring. Hostesses welcome visitors to four houses each morning and four each afternoon. The selection of tour houses changes each morning and each afternoon throughout the Spring Pilgrimage.
Historic Natchez Pageant
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 8:00 p.m.
This brilliant musical production, depicting scenes of the Old South, transports audiences to the days of long ago.
So faithfully does this pageant recreate a romanticized era that the Historic Natchez Pageant has become as famous as the old Natchez houses. Presented by over 200 local performers in elaborate period costumes.
Songs of the South
April 9, 10, 12, 13, and 14.
Stephen Foster, Traditional Spirituals, Gershwin, and more.
Southern Road to Freedom
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 8:00 p.m. (no show April 13)
A stirring musical tribute by the Holy Family Choir to the African-American experience in Natchez from the colonial period to the present day.
Southern Exposure
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 p.m.
Natchez' own hilarious spoof on the homes, homeowners and tourists of Pilgrimage.
Visit Their Web Site: http://www.natchezpilgrimage.com
Natchez Powwow
Mar/24/2007 - Mar/25/2007
Location: Grand Village of the Natchez Indians - 400 Jefferson Davis Blvd.
This annual event always draws a great crowd. Weekend activities include:
Native American dancing, food, and crafts. Admission Fee at gate collected by VFW.
Visit Their Web Site: http://www.mdah.state.ms.us/hprop/gvni.html
April
Springtime at Rosalie
Apr/15/2007 - May/31/2007
Location: Rosalie Historic Mansion
Flowers from Rosalie’s Garden
The garden overflows with blossoms every spring.
Included with regular house tours.
Visit Their Web Site: http://www.RosalieMansion.com
Annual Multicultural Festival
Tentative date: week of April 22- 28.
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Fall 2006
"Lost In Translation"
The Alcorn State University Student Engagement Program and the International and Multicultural Student Organization hosted a social gathering entitled “Lost In Translation” on November 2, 2006. ASU faculty and staff, as well as students from Cameroon, Guyana, India, Russia, and the U.S.A. were in attendance.
The purpose of this event was to share customs, traditions and phrases from different cultures. Students, faculty and staff talked about how it feels to be a foreigner, how your language, expressions, and hand gestures could be misleading to other individuals, and how important it is to know basic ways of the country you are visiting.
The gist of the session was that no matter how fluent one is in a foreign language, or how familiar one is with another culture, there are bound to be misunderstandings. The gist of the session was that no matter how fluent one is in a foreign language, or how familiar one is with another culture, there are bound to be misunderstandings. Some examples of phrases are:
“You’ve got the eyes of a cow.” In Russia, a suitor might passionately whisper into your ear: “Ti volookaya krasavista.” Yes, he’s comparing your eyes to those of a bovine but resist the urge to toss your kirsh in his face. He’s paying you a compliment.
“Do you have a torch?” If you live in Cameroon or Guyana, this is simply a request for a flashlight and not a blow torch.
“I’m in the green.” In Italy, if your dinner companion confides to you, “Essere al verde” don’t congratulate him and demand that he foot the bill. He’s actually saying he doesn’t have any money. In contrast, in the U.S.A one is “In the red.” when there is no money in which to operate.
Many other situations were discussed as well: the different types of food that were consumed in different countries and the traditions of certain ceremonies celebrated in those countries. As the meeting concluded, many students had new and interesting facts about different countries and the culture that surrounded them.
The Student Engagement Program is sponsored through Title III. The idea for this gathering was adapted from an article in the magazine Marie Claire Explore Your World, Oct 2005, pg. 82.
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Alcorn State Homecoming
The Alcorn State Brave’s Homecoming ‘06/’07, was held on Saturday 14, 2006. The annual parade was held at 10:00 am, with many schools and organizations showing up and giving their support as well.
IMSO participated in the parade as well: Hoan Loan Ngyen, Miss IMSO, Adeline Douanla from Cameroon, IMSO member and Loan's roommate, Elena Dobrynina, IMSO advisor, decorated a car with ribbons and international flags. (See photos below).
The football game was held at 2:00 p.m. at the Jack Spinks Stadium. The Braves played against Texas Southern. Dr. Malvin Williams, Interim President of Alcorn State University, as well as Miss ASU, Trina Boyd, and her royal court, were introduced during the half time presentation.
The homecoming was a big success, with many individuals showing their support for the team, as well as their school spirit, and the game ended with a huge Braves win of 45-23.
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Coronation of Miss ASU and Royal Court
The Coronation of Miss ASU was held on Thursday, October 12, 2006, at the David L. Whitney Complex, at Alcorn State University. The ceremony started at 7 pm, with the ASU jazz band and the introduction of the representations of the organizations and departments.
Some of these organizations included IMSO, who was represented by Hong Loan Ngyen of Vietnam, Miss IMSO 2006/2007 (see photos below).
Many events occurred during coronation, such as the presentation of the many different departments and organizations, the crowning of Miss ASU, and an inspirational speech which was given by Miss ASU, Trina Monique Boyd.
The Coronation was certainly a sight to see and a wonderful experience.
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IMSO Meeting with Russian Professor
An IMSO meeting was held on Friday, September 29th, 2006, in honor of a Russian Professor, Dr. Nikolay Dobrynin. Dr. Dobrynin is Professor & Head, Department of Plant Protection and Beekeeping at the Voronezh State Agricultural University, of Voronezh, Russia. He was visiting Alcorn State University under the Consortium of Scholars Series Program, which involves lectures by visiting nationally and internationally renowned scholars providing students, faculty and staff with unique and enriching experiences, opportunities for professional interaction and communication. Dr. Dobrynin was the first distinguished visitor participating in the program.
At the meeting were also present: Mrs. Ludmila Dobrynina, English Language instructor of Voronezh State University, Dr. Dobrynin's spouse, Dr. Dovi Aliope, ASU Director of Global Programs, Elena Dobrynina, ASU Staff Writer/International Student Recruiter, and students from Vietnam, Russia, United States, India, Cameroon, and Kenya.
Many interesting topics were discussed, such as the differences between educational systems in Russia and the United States, the many reasons why one would attend a US school as opposed to a Russian school, and vice versa, and our reasons for attending Alcorn State University.
Many interesting facts were presented about Russia, and the different aspects of Russian life. Each person that attended the meeting received a piece of Russian candy, a postcard, and helpful information about the Country of Russia.
  
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IMSO Holds First Fall 2006 Meeting
The First International Multi-Cultural Student Organization (IMSO) was held on Friday, September 15, 2006. The students that attended the meeting included: Leah Drake, from the United States, with a major in Pre-Dentistry, Hong Loan Nguyen from Vietnam with a major in Biology/Pre-Med, Yulia Kulik from Russia, with a major in Business Administration, Oxana Sagaydachnaya from Russia with a major in Business Administration, Irina Borodovitzyna, from Russia with a major in Accounting, Martina Garda, from Argentina, with a major in Plants and Soil Science, Felicia Chien from the United States, with a major in Communications, Macy Lamela, from the United States, with a major in Computer Science, Madhu Adityer from India, with a major in Computer Networking, Konstanton Galperin from Russia, with a major in Mathematics, Adeline Douanla and Glory Ashu, graduate students from Cameroon, both Biology major.
The first order of business was to determine who was to be our
next Miss IMSO. A voting had taken place, and it had been
decided that Hong Loan Nguyen was Miss IMSO (see picture below,
she is the third one from the right hand side). There was also a
conflict with the official time and day, of our meeting. The
next thing that was decided was to when our official meetings
would be held. Everybody agreed that Fridays at noon would be
the best option.
We also discussed what should be done for our next meeting as
well, which included, coming up with ideas for what particular
activities we would like to do for our group. As well as to be
ready to vote for the next president and vice-president for the
Organization.
November-December 2006
I. Traditional Christmas Decorations at Rosalie
Nov/18/2006 - Dec/31/2006
Location: Rosalie Mansion - Canal Street,
Natchez
See traditional handmade ornaments on the tree in the parlor.
The first and second floors of Rosalie will be decorated in the
Victorian style.
This special Christmas-time tour is included with regular house
tours.
Visit Their Web Site:
http://www.rosaliemansion.com
Contact:
Rosalie
Mansion
Phone: 601-445-4555
II.
Natchez Artists Studio Tour
Saturday, Nov/25/2006
Location: Various Art Studios in
Natchez
Area
for details follow the link
http://www.visitnatchez.com/custom/webpage4.cfm?content=EventsDetail&id=862&CFID=13323626&CFTOKEN=34928936
III. International Holiday Celebration On-Campus event
Friday,
Dec/01/2006
Location: EE. Simmons Gymnasium, 12 noon
Students, faculty, and staff will share their traditional
holiday celebrations
IV. A Festival of Christmas
Sunday, Dec/03/2006
Location: St. Mary Basilica
Natchez Festival of Music presents the Alcorn State University
Concert Choir.
Directed by Dr. David Blackburn and accompanied by Tony Gordon.
7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Basilica, Main Street,
Natchez
V. Lighting of the Natchez Community Christmas Tree
Friday, Dec/01/2006
Location: Intersection Commerce and Main Streets,
Natchez
Initiate
the season with the lighting of the enormous community
Christmas Tree.
Santa will be on hand to hear children’s wishes and talk with
adults.
5:30 p.m. at Commerce and Main Streets
Fall 2006“Lost in Translation”
The IMSO members will share customs and phrases from their culture
Thursday 11/02/2006
@ 7:00 p.m. in Honors Dorm Cafeteria
Everybody is welcome
Come and Rock the Discussion!!!
Sponsored by the International and Multicultural Student Organization
And The Office of Student Engagement
Summer 2006 Multiculturalism Starts Early at Alcorn On August 15, 2006, The Natchez Democrat posted a picture of cadet Gem Panicker of Chamberlain Hunt Academy performing an Indian classical dance at the Alcorn State University Second Annual Multicultural Festival. Gem is the daughter of Dr. Girish K. Panicker, Director of the Conservation Research Project and Mrs. Rani Panicker, Research Associate, Small Farm Development Center of Alcorn State University.
IMSO Spring 2006 Semester Activities:
2nd Annual Multicultural Festival April 24-29th.
To read about it and check out the pictures please go to
For more information contact Elena Dobrynina at elenad@alcorn.edu , tel. 601-877-6134 or
IMSO president Njuguna Ngugi at theobolt@yahoo.com
As a part of an on-going project of familiarizing international and multicultural students with local history IMSO organized a group trip to historic city of Natchez on Saturday, April 1, that included:
Natchez Spring Pilgrimage Antebellum Home Tour (Longwood, Melrose State Park)
Natchez Downtown Walking Tour
Picnic on Mississippi River
Old South Winery Tour
Spring Flea Market at Historic Jefferson College
IMSO activists Njuguna Ngugi ( theobolt@yahoo.com), Margo McLeod, and Lacey Cribb ( laceycribb@hotmail.com) put together a group trip to the skating rink in Jackson, MS on Saturday, March 4, 2006.
If you'd like to participate in the next trip please
contact IMSO members above.
International Student Attends Local History Conference in Port Gibson
On Friday, February 17, Margo McLeod, a senior accounting and business administration double-major from Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, IMSO member, attended “Local History: the Black Freedom Struggle in Claiborne County and Beyond”, a conference at Mississippi Cultural Crossroads in Port Gibson, Mississippi.
A distinguished group of scholars from around the country interacted with one another, the general public, local activists, and students from Claiborne County.
There were over 80 high school, middle school and elementary school students who participated in the morning's activities. Many of the students had entries in the National History Day Competition and their projects were on display. The projects included poems, poster boards, photo albums and reports all centered on the same theme: black history. The projects were judged over the course of the morning and the outstanding ones were awarded prizes. Also, the students were split up into small discussion groups. The groups, led by history scholars, focused on topics such as the Montgomery bus boycott, stereotypes in the media, the voter registration process in the past and ways to make a stand in society.
“I found the information that was discussed to be very interesting because being from Canada, black history is a relatively new subject to me. I believe learning about it is important not only for young African-Americans, but also for people of all races,” McLeod said.
“It is not possible to understand another culture if you don't know where the people are coming from or what they have been through. I noticed that the students who attended knew their history, they actively engaged in discussions about it and they were interested in learning more. They also had open minds about the present and provided ideas for a positive change to their future.”
Fall 2005 Semester Activities
To familiarize international and multicultural students with American History IMSO visited Historic Jefferson College on November 13 to see the “Civil War Reenactment and Music”.
The students watched the performance of the Wirt Adams battle with the Federals of December 1, 1863. The representatives of the Civil War units gladly answered student's questions.
Another IMSO group activity took place on December 4, 2005. The Alcorn State University Concert Choir led by Director Dr. David Blackburn performed their annual Christmas program in St. Mary's Basilica of Natchez, Mississippi. They say it wouldn’t be Christmas in Natchez without this incredible performance of this nationally renowned choir.
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For more information on the Multicultural Initiatives at Alcorn State University, contact
Elena Dobrynina, Staff Writer / International Student Recruiter
Phone: (601) 877-6134
Fax: (601) 877-6175
e-mail: elenad@alcorn.edu
*You will need Acrobat Reader to open the pdf links.
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