University celebrates everything international

By Meghan Sired

For the last 20 years, the University of Calgary has acknowledged the importance of international awareness by dedicating a week to international celebration and learning.

This year, International Week runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1. The theme is: Picturing the world: 20 years of different perspectives.

“Being the 20th year of International Week, it seems to be a good time to take stock of who we are and what changes have occurred in our community and around the world,” said Glynn Hunter, director of the Centre for International Students and Study Abroad.

On Jan. 28, keynote speaker Severn Cullis-Suzuki, an environmental activist, will speak on her experiences in the Amazon. On Jan. 30, Michelle Dagnino, a social justice advocate and former executive director of Youth Action Network, will give a talk entitled Waiting on the World to Change: Creating Leadership Now.

A new addition to International Week this year is the Canadian citizenship ceremony, which will be held on campus on Jan. 31 and jointly hosted by the International Centre and the U of C Senate.

U of C Chancellor Joanne Cuthbertson will be greeting those who receive their citizenship and U of C Senate member Judge Raymond Lee will be the citizenship judge at the ceremony—at 1:30 p.m. in the Rozsa Centre.

“It is important that we bring citizenship out in the community and since the U of C is a major part of the community, it makes sense that a ceremony takes place here,” said Lee.

Other activities throughout the week include a variety of talks, fairs, performances, exhibits, an international fashion show, an AIDS awareness poster display, talent performances, wine and food sampling and a photo contest.

For an up-to-date list of International Week activities, visit http://pec.ucalgary.ca/cissa/IntlWeek2008. If you are a U of C staff, student or faculty member receiving your citizenship on Jan. 31 please contact Cathy Davis at davic@ucalgary.ca. With your
permission, Judge Lee would like to acknowledge your link to the U of C at the ceremony.