According to Takeo Suzuki, executive director for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Center for Global Education, there are around 70 new international students from 30-plus countries at UTC this semester.
Those new students and others from around the globe were welcomed to campus on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at the International Student Welcome Reception, held at the Multicultural Center in Lupton Hall.
“This is an opportunity each year that we—the Office of Multicultural Affairs—takes pride in,” Assistant Director Chris Stokes told the standing-room-only crowd. “We are really excited to be able to host along with our friends at the Center for Global Education and let you know how much we really care about you here at UTC.”
Suzuki said the meet-and-greet event was an excellent way for students from this country and abroad to introduce themselves to one another.
“I personally hope that you’re gonna get connected with this,” he said, holding up his phone. “You guys are good at social media, so please help (the international students) understand what a great country this is and the places that are here. Hopefully, you’ll make friends with them for the rest of your life and visit them in the future.
“My hope—and our hope—is to continue to build bridges and connect people to different cultures.”