Soaring international enrollment may impact Parade of Flags

KALAMAZOO, Mich.--With soaring numbers of international students on campus this year, the annual Parade of Flags during Homecoming festivities at Western Michigan University on Oct. 25 may see flags from as many as 100 different nations on display.

WMU enrolled 1,854 international students from 100 nations this fall, representing the largest international enrollment in more than a decade. International enrollment grew by nearly 10 percent over the past year, and international students now comprise nearly 8 percent of the WMU body. Among the countries with the largest numbers of students studying at WMU are Saudi Arabia, India, China, the Dominican Republic and Brazil.

The annual Parade of Flags takes place each homecoming before the start of the football game in Waldo Stadium. This year's event is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, just before kickoff in the gridiron contest against Ohio University.

Those wishing to carry a flag should contact the International Student Activities office at intl-coordinator@wmich.edu or (269) 387-3966. Flags are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

A pre-game tailgate party for flag bearers and others will be held at 11 a.m. at Kanley Track. All students, WMU employees and families from the Kalamazoo community are welcome to register to attend the free event and participate in the parade.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.

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