April 2000

George Mason Celebrates 20th Anniversary of International Week By Sabrina Tillman For the past 20 years, the events of International Week have enlivened the Fairfax Campus with color, culture, and culinary delights. The birth of the new millennium serves as the inspiration for this year's theme, "Old World, New Beginning," for International Week, which runs Saturday, April 8, through Saturday, April 15. The traditional Parade of Flags marks the official opening ceremony. Joyce Harris, former International Student Umbrella (ISU) president, will deliver the week's opening remarks, and cake will be served to celebrate the 20th anniversary. A special band, Zabardhusth Kulfi (The Great Ice Cream), formed for the purpose of capturing the spirit of the week, will integrate Afro-Cuban, Japanese, Turkish, Russian, Indian, Pakistani, and American rhythms into a pop/folk concert for the ceremony. "The main objective of the week is to showcase different cultures and educate the community about different traditions. We really want to promote an appreciation," says coordinator Sara Lindstrom, Office of International Programs and Services. The week kicks off with a cricket tournament, and other sporting events include the International Patriot's Cup Soccer Tournament. Any team willing to compete against defending champions the Arab Club must register in advance with the ISU. Fans are invited to enjoy the game, free food, and music. A special photography exhibit by internationally renowned British photographer Peter Fryer titled "Internal Refugess: Photo Exhibit by Children in Refugee Camps" will be displayed during the week. Fryer has lived and worked with Palestinians in refugee camps and displaced communities in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. His exhibit marks the beginning of a five-year collaboration with Save the Children UK, during which he has vowed to assist Palestinian youth while photographing their lives and communities. At the Harris Theater, Isite, a play detailing the joy and heartbreak of growing up in more than one country, explores the impact of a bicultural family on identity. The play, written and performed by Katie Buck, will be followed by a discussion and reception. The performance is free for George Mason students, $5 for faculty and staff, and $10 for the general public. The International Dance Competition Tuesday afternoon will be followed by a slide show presentation by Peter Fryer and a performance by Cambodian American Heritage. Live entertainment continues with "Tigers Eye," a Brazilian jazz band that performs in the Adams Morgan area; a Scottish Highlands dance and music performance that will include dancers, bagpipers, and drummers of the Washington Scottish Pipe Band; and a high-energy showcase of traditional clothing from around the world in the International Fashion Show. Educational opportunities during the week include a discussion titled "Intercultural Communications: Global Groove," presented by a panel of students and mediated by Peter Black, Sociology and Anthropology, and Indira Ahluwalia, a George Mason alumna. The discussion focuses on the challenges we face in a multicultural workplace. Ahluwalia specializes in communication across cultural, racial, and gender barriers, and promotes team building and leadership training. The Center for Global Education will host a study abroad fair. The popular International Dinner Dance will conclude the week's activities. Tickets are required for this event, and may be purchased in advance for $10, or $12 at the door with a valid George Mason ID. For more information, contact the Office of International Programs and Services at x32970.