Over the past few weeks the MIIS campus has hosted great events offering students the opportunity to engage with community members in a professional and social capacity. I have been very fortunate to participate actively in each of the following events, which I believe exemplify the strengths and uniqueness of our Community.
Inaugural Artists Without Borders Event:An evening of impressive live music and outstanding photography in addition to delicious hors d’ouvres and socializing was hosted by the MIIS “Artists Without Borders” Club in the Holland Center on campus. The Holland Center was open to the public and embraced a diverse crowd. This event highlighted the creative spirit of our international student body as well as the cordial atmosphere that we can create when the books are closed.
Internship Showcase: This night allowed students to share stories, media and connections relevant to their summer experiences with an eager audience, our peers. Students from all disciplines proudly displayed photos, videos and tales from abroad. I was part of the planning committee for this event and was glad to finally have the chance to swap summer stories with friends who I had not caught up with since the spring semester. The event was sponsored by The MIIS Red Cross Club and The Center for Advising and Career Services.
2nd Annual International Education Day:For the second year in a row, I have enjoyed co-coordinating this event with my fellow international education enthusiasts. Along with Student Affairs and Prof. Peter Shaw, MIIS hosted Monterey and Pacific Grove High School students interested in international study, work, volunteer and immersion programs. IED was a natural fit for MIIS’ Fulbright, Peace Corps, TESOL, ESL and teaching community and we all enjoyed the youthful energy of the teenagers on campus. I have enjoyed involvement with this event twice in my time here and hope to see it thrive in the future.
Communicators for Change iConference: This was truly a first for not only the institute, but the entire active social media community of Monterey. Artists, scientists, professors and students all collaborated in a vibrant day long conference held on campus and in cyberspace. The “iConference” was streamed live and had a lively audience online as well as throughout the MIIS campus. The organizers did an amazing job gathering intellectual professionals from the field for a very memorable and enlightening day, topped off by an elegant reception featuring live Latin music and sustainable snacks.
I believe that the MIIS campus comes alive when our neighbors grace us with their presence as presenters, participants, collaborators and supporters of our work. It’s always a pleasure working with inspiring colleagues in an inspiring setting. Thank you for being an active member of our thriving academic and professional environment and we look forward to seeing you again soon whether it be in Monterey, the Bay Area, abroad or online. Until next time…
