International students invited to graduation celebration

On Monday, April 25, the Wisconsin Alumni Association will honor graduating international students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with an award ceremony and reception.

Forty-six students will be honored with academic achievement awards, as well as a faculty member for his contributions to the international community at UW–Madison. Walter Goodman, a professor of entomology, will be recognized for his friendship and support to the international students on campus.

New this year, the International Student Graduation Celebration will feature an award ceremony for students receiving the International Student Academic Achievement Award. The ceremony will be followed by free food, conversation and entertainment. Students are welcome to invite family, mentors and fellow students to the celebration.

“We’re pleased to welcome graduating international students to the worldwide family of UW alumni,” says Paula Bonner, WAA’s president and CEO. “We also invite students who will graduate in a future year to attend the reception to congratulate, honor and say goodbye to their graduating friends.”

Laurie Cox, assistant dean in the Division of Student Life and director of International Student Services, says the event will be a chance for international students to share stories about their time on campus.

“This celebration brings graduating and exchange student together to celebrate and reflect upon their unique Wisconsin experience,” she says. “This is a final opportunity to acknowledge their growth and experiences as they make their transitions to the next stage of their lives.”

The UW Madhatters will be performing at the ceremony, singing a medley of UW-related music. They will send off the new graduates with “Varsity.”

The event will take place at 5 p.m. in the AT&T Room in the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Though it is free and open to the public, registration is required at http://uwalumni.com/isgc.

Registration will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the graduation ceremony and reception immediately following at 5 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., respectively.