November 12, 2009
For Immediate Release

For more information: Maryna Storrs (801) 863-8897
University Marketing & Communications: Erin Spurgeon, (801) 863-6807
Written by: Chelsey Richardson (801) 863-8504

Utah Valley University is encouraging cultural awareness with its annual Global Engagement Week (GEW). From Nov. 16-21, UVU students and the community at large will have the opportunity to participate in several activities, including an international festival, Japanese cultural night, international ping-pong tournament, Native American pow-wow and international cook-off.

GEW is a unique opportunity to promote campus-wide international programs that prepare UVU students to become productive citizens in the global society. It fosters collaboration and integration among international students, conventional students, faculty, staff and administrators at UVU on international issues.

“Community members and students understand that UVU is a regionally engaged university,” said Maryna Storrs, program coordinator for the Office of International Affairs and Diplomacy and the originator of GEW on UVU campus.  “However, they also need to know that UVU offers international and multicultural programs that prepare students to become competent graduates no matter where they end up, locally or in a wider, global community.”

This year, GEW is sponsored by a UVU Center for Engaged Learning grant. This grant gives an opportunity for international, multicultural and traditional students to be involved in the collaborative effort of creating, planning and executing all of the GEW events. Student organizers will gain significant teamwork, project management and cultural appreciation skills while learning to work in a diverse and fast-paced environment.

GEW is part of International Education Week, an annual celebration of the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of broader efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the U.S.

For more information about GEW and a full list of activities and lectures, please visit http://www.uvu.edu/intlaffairs/events/global.html.

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