On Monday, November 14, 2022, the International Student Program (ISP) hosted the International Education Week (IEW) Opening Ceremony to celebrate the benefits of cultural and academic exchange programs around the world. The event was held at the Farallon Room in Skyline College and hosted by Sirreck Brown, Interim Retention Specialist (ISP). Dr. Melissa Moreno, College President, started off the event with a speech about the significance of International Education. Dr. Vinicio Lopez, Vice President of Instruction, and Zaid Ghori, Interim Dean of Global Learning Programs and Services, also shared their thoughts on the importance of International Education.
Next, there was a student panel on the study abroad experience where they shared about the benefits of study abroad and how scholarships and support from family played a part in their study aboard journey. All panelists were recipients of the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of Faculty/Staff Appreciation Award to English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Professor Felicia Mazzi. This award is given to a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on the lives of international students at Skyline College, as nominated by international students. Professor Mazzi thanked her students in her speech and talked about her wonderful experience with international students. Finally, the event ended with a raffle, with the winners being picked by Chancellor Michael Claire. The lucky winners received raffle baskets filled with different foods from various countries.
The International Student Program is part of the Global Learning Programs and Services Division at Skyline College. If you wish to learn more about ISP, don’t hesitate to contact the ISP Office at skyinternational@smccd.edu.
Article by Kaitlyn Widjaja | Photo by Raisa.
