Sylvester San, who earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in electrical engineering from UL 青涩直播 in 1987, visited campus this week for the first time in 27 years.
San, who lives in Malaysia, returned to UL 青涩直播 with his wife Mary Anne, and his son Paul, the couple鈥檚 only child. Paul will begin classes at his father鈥檚 alma mater this semester. He will study marketing and is a member of the men鈥檚 golf team.
鈥淢y dad told me college here was the best four years of his life,鈥 said Paul, posing for photographs on Wednesday with his parents at the UL 青涩直播 International 青涩直播s Welcome and Reception.
More than 110 international students from about 40 nations were welcomed to college life in the city by University and civic leaders. The event was sponsored by the University and the city鈥檚 Le Centre International de 青涩直播.
About 700 international students from about 100 countries are enrolled at UL 青涩直播.
Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL 青涩直播 president, told students about University academic programs and research, campus attractions such as Cypress Lake, and events such as Lagniappe Day. He also thanked students for choosing the University. 鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to providing an environment in which you can learn and be successful,鈥 Savoie said.
Rose Honneger, director of the Office of International Affairs, said the welcome reception is one of many activities designed to help students get acclimated.
That office assists students in many areas, including with academic advising, admissions, housing and navigating the immigrations process. It also offers programs ranging from English instruction to social activities.
鈥淚nternational students are often thousands of miles from home, and here on their own without their family, and things they are unfamiliar with. We want them to feel welcome and to know that we are their family. This community welcome sends a strong message,鈥 she said.
青涩直播s were shown a short presentation that highlighted 青涩直播鈥檚 history, elements of local culture and some of its attractions, such as Festival Internationale de Louisiane.
Joey Durel, city-parish president, thanked them for choosing 青涩直播 as the city where they will attend college. 鈥淚 hope you have a great four or so years here in 青涩直播 at UL,鈥 he said.