Three students who were honored by Governor Holden. From left, Myriam Gharbi-Palmer, Missouri Southern State University, Joplin; Sebastian Gonzales, Hannibal LaGrange College,
Hannibal; and Ioulia Rassaloulova, Park University, Parkville. This picture was taken in the House of Representatives chamber.
More than 200 international students from 19 universities and colleges from across the state took part in the Fifth Annual Governor's International Day on December 2 in Jefferson City. Governor Bob Holden and the Department of Economic Development hosted the event.
International Student Day provides students with the opportunity to network and celebrate their diversity. Most of the activities that day took place in the State Capitol. Governor Bob Holden spoke to the students in the House of Representatives chambers and present certificates to three outstanding international students.
In addition, students toured the Capitol, including an exclusive tour of Governor Holden's office; enjoy a buffet luncheon at Capitol Plaza Hotel and gain some helpful advice at a seminar regarding nonresident alien taxation.
Holden recognized three international students for their contributions to their communities and their universities. They are: Myriam Gharbi-Palmer, Missouri Southern State University, Joplin; Sebastian Gonzales, Hannibal LaGrange College, Hannibal; and Ioulia Rassaloulova, Park University, Parkville. The three honorees were chosen by a panel of judges and met specific criteria related to achievements, activities and academics.
Gharbi-Palmer, from France, is pursuing a teaching degree and is being recognized for helping her fellow international students by serving as an e-mail contact and by assisting them with various tax treaties and forms. Gonzales, from Argentina, is majoring in business administration. His special achievements include developing new software for the campus computer services, teaching English to other international students and serving as president of the International Student club on campus. Rassoulova, from Russia, is working on a degree in public administration. She is involved in many organizations and was selected as one of three students serving as an intern with the Office of the City Manager for the city of Kansas City.
"All of these international students represent a valuable investment in our future," said Joseph L. Driskill, director of the Department of Economic Development. "We believe Missouri is a much better place because of the influence of these students. All of us benefit from their new ideas, culture and diversity."
The colleges that were represented at International Student Day are: Central Methodist College, Central Missouri State University, Columbia College, Crowder College, Hannibal LaGrange College, Lincoln University, Logan College of Chiropractic, Missouri Southern State University, Missouri Valley College, Moberly Area Community College, Northwest Missouri State University, Park University, Southwest Missouri State University, St. Louis Community College (Florissant Valley and Meramec campuses), University of Missouri (Columbia, Rolla and St. Louis campuses), and William Jewell College.
International Student Day is sponsored by Barnes-Jewish Hospital International Healthcare Services, Burns & McDonnell, DST Systems Inc., Hawthorn Foundation, Orscheln, Par-Way Tryson Company and Wal-Mart of Jefferson City.
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