Students, faculty, and local community representatives gathered at Blacksburg’s historic Alexander Black House in August for Pamplin’s annual welcome reception for international students. In informal chats with faculty members who included Stuart Feigenbaum, Tom Deutsch, and Howard Feiertag (all of the hospitality and tourism management department), Michelle Harding (accounting and information systems), and Reed Kennedy and Jack McDonald (management), incoming students discussed such topics as business courses and industries in the U.S., study abroad, and career opportunities.

Community volunteer Sandra Jackson (third from left) spoke with Pamplin international programs director Svetlana Filiatreau and management department head Devi Gnyawali and his wife Rekha Gnyawali about the importance of community involvement in helping international students learn about American culture and having a caring, extended family away from home. (Photo credit: Ting-Chun Lin)
Community volunteer Sandra Jackson (third from left) spoke with Pamplin international programs director Svetlana Filiatreau and management department head Devi Gnyawali and his wife Rekha Gnyawali about the importance of community involvement in helping international students learn about American culture and having a caring, extended family away from home. (Photo credit: Ting-Chun Lin)