NSU Sakura Festival Focuses on Cultural Exchange, Diversity

NSU Sakura Festival Focuses on Cultural Exchange, Diversity April 1

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Japanese cherry blossom trees will soon be flowering on the campus of Oklahoma-s premier regional university. A long-recognized symbol of international exchange between Japan and the United States, the trees are a gift from the National Collegiate Network Foundation honoring the partnership NCN has shared with Northeastern State University since 2002.

-Northeastern-s partnership with NCN continues to be an invaluable addition to our recruitment efforts,- said Dr. Larry Williams, NSU president. -Over the past three years the University has welcomed more than 130 Japanese students to the Northeastern family, and we look forward to welcoming our fourth class in fall 2005.-

The University will officially dedicate 10 trees during a planting ceremony at 2 p.m. on April 8 north of Seminary Hall. The dedication will highlight the NSU Sakura Festival (Cherry Blossom Festival) scheduled for 12:30 to 3 p.m.

-We are truly grateful to Northeastern for its continued hospitality to our Japanese students,- said Kentaro Sawa, NCNF executive director. -Above and beyond the quality, affordable education our students receive at NSU, I think it is the unique cultural exchange, and the friendships they have made here that they will treasure most.-

A cultural celebration open to NSU faculty, staff, and the community, the Sakura Festival will feature live music, dance, and song by the Japanese students at NSU as well as free food, interactive arts and crafts, and additional cultural activities. Admission to all activities is free.

A recruiting organization that works exclusively with Japanese students who are seeking educational opportunities in the United States, NCN places qualified students in select ESL programs on college campuses across the nation. Northeastern is currently home to more than 135 Japanese students.

04/01/2005

Published: 2005-04-01 00:00:00