News Release
Contact
David Bernard
Public Relations Associate,
Public Relations
320 DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE
19720
david.bernard@wilmu.edu
International Students Welcome at Wilmington University
Afternoon party at the New Castle campus introduced new arrivals to faculty, staff, other students and available services.
Wilmington University welcomed its incoming international students on July 12 with enthusiastic staff members, spicy samosas, and a spinning wheel of fortune.
The students, many of whom are pursuing graduate studies in the College of Technology, have come to Delaware from Bangladesh, China, India, Sri Lanka, the Ukraine, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, among other destinations.
"Our goal is to help each international student find a sense of belonging here," said Melanie Baldwin, senior director for international affairs. "They can choose from many universities, and we are honored that they chose Wilmington University."
The International Welcome Party brought 29 students from around the world to the Pratt Student Center on WilmU's New Castle campus, along with representatives of the Student Success Center, Career Services Office, Alumni Relations Department, Peoples Library, and nearly all of the university's colleges and departments. Homestay Helpers, a Newark, Del.-based, family-owned business that matches students in search of temporary housing with local homeowners who are willing to rent them a spare bedroom, also attended Wednesday afternoon's meet-and-greet.
A refreshments table featured chicken satay with masala sauce, vegetable samosas, and cheesesteak egg rolls, among other offerings. Guests were invited to spin a "wheel of prizes" for a chance to win T-shirts, tote bags, or other WilmU merchandise. Student Ahmed Andrabi even won the grand prize, a free course in an upcoming semester.
"It was a success," said Baldwin. "It's the first time we've tried something like this, so no one knew what would happen. Everyone supported this event, and it showed. We had great food and wonderful gifts. Dr. Patricia Ramone, Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, and our faculty went all out to make the students feel welcome."
"It's very important to let our international students know they're not alone, that they're now a part of our WilmU family," Baldwin added.
That will make a big difference in the semesters ahead, said Dr. Peter Bailey, Vice President, External and International Affairs. "We want our international students to know they're welcome at WilmU," he said. "The presence of students from other countries provides our faculty, staff and other students with a more global perspective, both in the classroom and in their careers."
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing nonprofit doctoral institution in America by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education (2004-2014), Wilmington University enables greater student success through affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit www.wilmu.edu.
