International Student Services, SGA partner for a Spring Picnic

Troy’s Student Government Association (SGA) and International Programs held a spring picnic last Thursday. The event was set up at the amphitheater in Janice Hawkins Park.  

Free food was offered, as well as a station for decorating eggs in celebration of Easter. 

“This is a collaboration with SGA and International Student Services to try to show the international students what Easter is about,” said Dean of International Student Services Maria Frigge. “We went for plastic Easter Egg coloring, so the students can save them, and they can have some free food.” 

The idea for the picnic stemmed from the annual “Friendsgiving” celebration SGA and International Student Services partner for every year in the fall. The two organizations come together to have a “Friendsgiving” feast for the students.  

However, they were looking for ways to bring students together in the spring. Thus, the Spring Picnic was born. 

All students were invited to the event. The purpose was to bring together domestic and international students to learn more about one another and their different cultures.   

“It’s just a chance for everyone to foster relationships that they might not have outside of this event,” said Coordinator of Student Engagement and Leadership: First Year Experience Olivia Barron. “We wanted everyone to have fun and to use this beautiful space. 

“It’s so easy to just go about your day as a student. These events really do offer opportunities where you might sit beside someone that you wouldn’t have otherwise.” 

SGA acts as a “bridge organization” between students and the university, so that the voices of the students can be amplified. They bring student concerns to the university, and they partner with other organizations to give them a platform to reach faculty, staff and students.  

International Student Services aids international students with anything after admittance to the university, helping students with airport transportation, housing, registering for classes and more. The organization alsholds events for international students to participate in and meet other international and domestic students. 

“I like going to events by International Student Services,” said Angela Zhao, a junior graphic design major from Shanghai, China. “My favorite was the pumpkin carving event last year.” 

International Student Services will be holding a baseball tailgate on April 18. Then, the members will hold a spring formal and casino night in partnership with Troy’s University Activities Council (UAC), M.I.S.S. Elite, and 101 E.L.I.T.E. Men on a date that is to be announced. 

To keep up with events from International Student Services and SGA, follow @troyuniversity_int and @troysga on Instagram.