International alumni from Eastern Illinois University met with Dr. Jill F. Nilsen, Vice President for External Relations, Dr. Robert M. Augustine, Dean of the Graduate School and International Programs , Bill Elliott , Director of International Programs , and Sue Songer, International Student Advisor on April 4, 2005, at the J. W. Marriott Hotel in Washington DC. The alumni event included dinner and video greetings to alumni from Ms. Eulalee Anderson, retired International Student Advisor. Alumni attending the reception included:

Robert (BS '73, MS '74) and Cynthia Wang

Tjin-Siong Lay (BS '73, MS '75) and Shirley Lay (BS '72)

Dr. and Mrs. Mohammed Zabarah (BS '71)

Brenda Gonzales (MBA '80)

Tian Li (BS '98)

Megha Ghimire (daughter of EIU Economics Professor, Mukti Upadhyay)

Jana Matouskova (MS '04)

Manindra Barua (MA '04)

and Hongying (Iris) Chen (MA '04)

During the dinner international alumni from multiple generations shared their EIU experiences and the opportunities that led to permanent residency in the Washington DC area. Eastern hosts provided summaries of the new international activities that have been implemented to advance international education at the University including new study abroad programs, new scholarships for international students, new international forums that highlight international cultures and experiences, and plans for an international courtyard as part of the renovation of Blair Hall.