Banquet welcomes international students
Jerry Manter

Managing Editor

A group of international students were given the opportunity to meet members of the local business community at the Rotary Club s annual Reception for International Students on Oct. 3.

Rotary, which has clubs in nearly every country, has a site in Joplin and has held an international banquet for Missouri Southern students for eight years.

 We want to welcome them to the community,  said Charlie Edwards, committee chairperson.

The Rotary invites international students from Crowder College as well. Edwards said the event coincides with the club s international focus. It s an opportunity for international students to meet a few more people in the community.

 We know the importance of promoting good will,  Edwards said.  It s a way of introducing themselves to club members and themselves. 

Dr. David Locher, associate professor of sociology and adviser for the International Club at Southern, has been involved with the Rotary Club s annual reception for three years. He knows it s an opportunity most international students shouldn t pass up.

 This gives them a connection in the community,  Locher said.

Edwards, who also runs a law firm in Joplin, said the Rotary Club was founded in Chicago and its members in the club work to promote business and its relationship within communities and throughout the world.

 It s a service club comprised of businesses to share fellowship,  Edwards said.  We utilize our efforts for community service and charitable endeavors. 

The evening s schedule included music, a reception buffet and a welcoming session for the students. Each student had an opportunity to introduce themselves at the microphone.

 Everybody gets embarrassed introducing themselves,  Locher said.

Locher said about 40 students were scheduled to attend the event which was held at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club.

Edwards said international students able to attend the event were able to gain a great deal.

 They can become aware of an organization that s interested in them,  he said.  It gives them a face in the community. 

Diony Paillant, sophomore computer science major from Haiti, was eager to attend the event. It was Paillant s first time at the annual event.

 I like to get to know the people in the business community,  Paillant said.