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Making Connections, Building Community
June 2008
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Greetings!
Era Pic

A year goes by quickly here at FIUTS. It seems like just a few weeks ago we were setting up the greeting table to welcome 1,000 students to the University of Washington, and now it's almost time to say goodbye.

Each year brings so many interesting people and wonderful memories to FIUTS. A quick glance through the FIUTS photo gallery from the past year shows the range and vitality of our programs and our amazing international community.

It is hard to believe that all of FIUTS programs are carried out by such a small team! Our staff, work-study assistants, interns, board and volunteers are all incredible and dedicated people who spend countless hours planning, organizing, and coordinating the details that are so important to making FIUTS run smoothly. Thanks to all of you for your hard work, and for helping to create another succesful FIUTS year!

Era Schrepfer,
FIUTS Executive Director
era@fiuts.org

earthquake
In the aftermath of the earthquake in Sichuan, China, FIUTS has been collecting funds to be distributed to aid organizations that are working on relief and rebuilding efforts, particularly in the hardest hit, small communities around Chengdu. With the help of many generous donors, FIUTS has already directed more than $10,000 to the relief efforts.

UW students who are studying abroad in Chengdu have formed a group called China Earthquake Aid and are working closely with FIUTS to identify organizations involved in recovery projects, including Chengdu Urban Rivers Association, World Wildlife Foundation and Conservation, Roots And Shoots, Green S.O.S. and the Cool Mountain Education Fund.
gala 08
Saturday, May 31 was Global Gala - the annual FIUTS gathering of students, alumni, and others who want to say goodbye to the year in style and have a great time!

Global Gala is produced by the FIUTS Student Board and they outdid themselves with this year's theme, "1001 Arabian Nights". The South Campus Center was decorated like a persian marketplace, complete with a pillow-filled tent, belly dancing, desert scenery, and palm trees!

Two FIUTS awards are presented at Global Gala each year: The Elizabeth Gould Award, presented to an International student and the James Davis Award, presented to an American student. Both awards are presented to students who exemplify FIUTS values of international friendship, cross-cultural understanding, and peace. This year's Elizabeth Gould Award was presented to Sudip Shekhar, FIUTS Student Board President. The James Davis Award was presented to Work Study Assistant Matt Thompson. Congratulations to both of you, and thank you for your commitment and dedication to FIUTS!

This year's Global Gala was sponsored by UW Student Activities and Union Facilities and the University of Washington Alumni Association. If you are headed home from the UW, consider becoming a member of the Alumni Association - it's a great way to stay connected to the University of Washington after you finish your studies. Thanks to both of our sponsors!
60th logo
Save the date! FIUTS 60th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled for November 5-9, 2008, and plans are coming together to make this an unforgettable event! Plans include a giant CulturalFest Wednesday Lunch on November 5, followed by an opening reception at MOHAI and four days of small-group reunions, Seattle events, and opportunities to reconnect to FIUTS and the University of Washington.

On Saturday Night, November 8, more than 300 people are expected to attend a celebration dinner and silent auction at Ocean City Chinese Restaurant in Seattle's International District. The event will feature a keynote address by Raj Manjas, former Seattle Public Schools Superintendant and current Executive Director of Seeds of Compassion. Raj was hosted through the FIUTS homestay program when he arrived at the University of Washington 34 years ago from India.

Tickets for FIUTS 60th Anniversary events will go on sale in August.
taipei tower
The Taiwan Proud Husky Club and FIUTS invite all alumni in Taiwan and incoming UW students in the area to an Introduction Meeting on Sunday, June 29. The event will be held from 2:30 - 4:30 PM at Howard International House in Taipei.

For more information or to register for this event, please contact Jamie Lin.
Portland
Are you an alumnus living overseas or are you preparing to return home to your country soon? Would you like to meet new international students who will attend the UW in the fall? Talking with new students is a great way to share your experiences, reveal your "insider secrets" about Seattle and the UW, and to tell them all about FIUTS! Let us know if you're interested, and we'll help to arrange a meeting!
Student Boards
The FIUTS Student Board is an important part of FIUTS leadership team. Student Board Members particpate as a part of the FIUTS Board of Trustees, represent international students to UW leaders and other organizations, and support FIUTS mission and programming through events that celebrate the UW's global community.

The FIUTS Student Board has just announced new student board members for 2008/2009. Welcome and congratulations to:

Elisabeth Rabusseau (President) , Graduate, Women's Studies, Germany
Olivia Perwitasari, Graduate, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Indonesia
Frederica Mackert, Undergraduate, Biology, USA
Hande Ayan, Graduate, Public Affairs, Turkey
Marie Vanderbilt, Undergraduate, International Studies & Norwegian, USA
Tim Hao Li, Undergraduate, Taiwan
Xinye Kang, Undergraduate, China
Zeynep Seviner, Graduate, Comparative Literature, Turkey
Sheng-Yi Chou, Graduate, Information Management, Taiwan
Vaibhav Vaidya, Graduate, Electrical Engineering, India
Ke Ding, Graduate, Information Management, China
Siddhartha Sinha (Ex-Officio), Undergraduate, Bioengineering, India

The FIUTS Student Board also won three awards last week at the annual UW Student Organization Awards - Congratulations to everyone - you deserve it!

Best RSO program: Cultural Fest
Vision and Values student leadership: Sudip Shekhar, President
Best Student Organization Webpage: Amir Rahmani, Webmaster
logo3
There's less than a month left in FIUTS' Annual Campaign, so make your gift today and ensure the continued success of FIUTS programs.

FIUTS depends on contributions from individuals to fund programs such as Wednesday Lunch, Alumni activities, ESL, Student Services, and Education Outreach Programs. These programs are an important part of how we continue our mission to promote intercultural exchange at the University of Washington and beyond.
icelandic pancake
Islenskar Ponnukokur (Icelandic Pancakes)


This recipe is in honor of FIUTS hosts Jill Paaso and Dick Koontz' recent visit to their homestay student Magnea Ingolfsdottir in Iceland! FIUTS is working on a new edition of the FIUTS Cookbook as part of the 60th Anniversary Celebration. If you would like to submit a recipe for the 60th anniversary edition of the FIUTS cookbook, please send it to FIUTS by email or by mail to:

FIUTS, University of Washington, Box 352233, Seattle, WA 98195

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups flour

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 2~3 drops of almond extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/8 lb. melted butter

  1. Sift and mix together all the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, blend eggs, milk, buttter, sour cream, vanilla and almond extract.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet to make a smooth thin batter
  3. Let the batter stand for 20-30 minutes before using
  4. Cook on a flat griddle or Icelandic pancake pan.

At the intersection of the University of Washington and the community, FIUTS inspires lifelong engagement through activities that build global understanding.
Era Schrepfer
Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS)

email: ed@fiuts.org
phone: 206-543-0736
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