59 national flags raised to open International Cultural Exchange Month

Members of the Silliman community gathered at the Gate of Service area to open International Cultural Exchange month through a flag-raising ceremony.

Silliman University students, faculty and staff, alumni, and guests from 59 countries simultaneously raised their respective national flags in a ceremony on Feb 4 to officially open the University’s 2019 International Cultural Exchange (ICE) month. The morning rites were held at the Gate of Service area fronting Leopoldo T. Ruiz Administration Hall. The flag-raising ceremony underscored the diversity and unity of the Silliman community, as demonstrated by the presence of people from different countries whose flags stand beside the historic SU marker.

2018 Miss Silliman International, Katharina C. Raddatz, delivers the introduction at the start of the ceremony.

The short program before the flag-raising ceremony was facilitated by the SU international students, which included a brief devotion.

Samuel Akinbode performs his original song composed for Higala International Students from Around the World (HISAW) and the international community in SU.

Heun Helena Yang, HISAW president, delivers the statement of purpose for the flag raising ceremony.

Dr. Betty C. McCann, SU president, delivers an inspirational message.

Silliman University currently has 151 International students from 59 countries in Asia and South Pacific, North and South America, Europe, and Africa. ICE month will culminate in the coronation of Mr. and Ms. Silliman International 2019 at Silliman Hall on Feb. 23.

International students of SU

SU Office of Student Services staff

International Office staff

After the ceremony, attendees ate Filipino breakfast food served by the SU Cafeteria