Contact:

Ken Carpenter 277-4032 Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920

November 1, 2001

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT UNM

The University of New Mexico Office of International Programs and Studies hosts its annual International Festival on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Johnson Center on the UNM campus.

UNM enrolls more than 800 international students representing 85 countries as well as hosting approximately 200 international visiting faculty and researchers.

Food, music, dance and entertainment from many countries will be featured at this year's cultural celebration, "One World-Bring Us Together." UNM international students will sell food and handicrafts from their countries and provide entertainment ranging from flamenco dancers to Tae Kwon Do. The program also features performance by the Latin percussion group Concepto Tambor.

"The International Festival gives students an opportunity to showcase their countries and cultures," said Ken Carpenter, UNM international student advisor and an organizer of the program.

"There is a tremendous interest on campus in international issues and in learning about other cultures, especially since the momentous events of this fall," he said. "The International Festival is an exciting way for all of us to educate ourselves about other parts of the world, and to show that our diversity can unite us as well as divide us."

Last year's International Festival featured representation by two-dozen countries and drew an attendance of 500. Organizers expect to increase both the number of countries involved as well as double the attendance, said Carpenter.

The UNM International Festival is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Ken Carpenter, UNM Office of International Programs and Studies, 277-4032, or e-mail oips@unm.edu.

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The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981