Troy University News

Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

TSU’s 20th annual international festival planned March 9

    Troy State University’s 20th annual International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) Festival, featuring food, music and dance from around the world, is planned for Saturday, March 9.
   The festival will begin at 7 p.m. in the Trojan Center Ballrooms on the TSU campus. Cost is $7 for students or $13 for members of the general public, according to Abbas Syed, president. Cost includes a buffet of international dishes prepared by students and a program of international dance and music.
   For ticket information, contact the Office of International Programs at 334-670-3736.
   Syed said the festival promotes awareness of other cultures and provides a way for TSU’s international student population to reach out to the community. He said that in light of the events of Sept. 11, he expects this year’s ISCO Festival will be more meaningful than ever.
   "Because of these events, it is important for everyone to come together to have a better understanding of other people," Syed said. "We are planning a special celebration."
   Syed said the need for international unity is expressed in this year’s festival theme, "Unveiling National Ideals To Educate (Unite) Our Minds."
   The ISCO Festival is a highlight of the academic year, not only for TSU’s international students, but also for the entire campus, said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor.
   "We have worked hard to create a global village at TSU because our students will compete in an international marketplace," Dr. Hawkins said. "If our students can easily relate to people from other nations and cultures, the more successful they will be."
   TSU’s international student population has grown from students representing 13 nations a decade ago to students representing more than 50 nations on campus today. This includes students from Armenia, England, Russia, Sweden, Australia, Turkey, China and Morocco. Currently, more than 350 international students are enrolled at TSU.