Latest Dinner with Strangers has international flair

ISSUED: 17 April 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Cecelia Mason

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - International students from Shepherd University recently enjoyed an evening in the home of a Shepherdstown couple during a Dinner with Strangers event. Carmen and Austin Slater hosted a dinner that included three Shepherd students and two students who are attending Jefferson High School.

The dinner included Shepherd students Shreya Upreti, an accounting major from Nepal; Srivalli Nalla, a computer and information sciences major from India; and Andrea Pitman, a master's in teaching graduate student from Colombia; Julia Andrade of Brazil, a Rotary Club of Shepherdstown international exchange student, and Vladislava Labunet of Moldova, both juniors at Jefferson High School.

Pictured (seated, l. to r.) are Julia Andrade, Brazil, and Vladislava Labunet, Moldova, both juniors at Jefferson High School. Standing, Shreya Upreti, Nepal, accountin; Carmen Slater; Srivalli Nalla, India, computer and information sciences; Austin Slater; and Andrea Pitman, Colombia, Master's in Teaching.

Austin Slater said this is the second time he and Carmen have hosted a Dinner with Strangers. Last year they invited students from the environmental studies program.

"Both events were fun and rewarding," Slater said. "These are exceptional and hardworking young people. They deserve recognition and a small celebration for their perseverance, particularly the international students who are so far from home and family. When I asked the freshman Shreya when she would be going home to visit her family she responded, 'in four years.' Our hearts were touched."

Emily Liu, director of international affairs, said it was beneficial for the students to attend the dinner.

"The initiative to invite international students from both the university and high school, representing countries such as India, Nepal, Colombia, Brazil, and Moldova, created a diverse array of cultural backgrounds," she said. "Secondly, the warm hospitality extended by Mr. and Mrs. Slater fostered a welcoming atmosphere where international students felt comfortable sharing their stories and perspectives, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and building meaningful connections."

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