Heritage Festival has international flavor,Tiffin

Heritage Festival has international flavor
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volunteers demonstrate tin art to fourth-graders.
A mix of ‘Berg students — American and international – headed to Hedges-Boyer Park on Friday,
Sept. 18, to lead crafts and games in Heritage Village as part of Heritage Festival Weekend in Tiffin.
This year, the volunteer opportunity was extended to the entire campus, and about 35 students,
faculty and staff participated. The ‘Berg volunteers enjoyed teaching local fourth-graders various
crafts such as stamping, sachet making, teepee coloring, making rag dolls, weaving and tin punch
art. They also engaged the children in games such as darts, hoops, tug-o-war, stilts and corn darts.
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l students march in the Heritage Festival Parade.
On Saturday, international students from Heidelberg and Tiffin University marched together in the
Heritage Festival Parade, carrying flags representing their home countries. The group entry in the
parade has become an annual event.
Heidelberg’s participation in The Heritage Village and the parade were coordinated by Julie
Arnold.
Tiffin welcomes the world
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comes international students from ‘Berg and TU.
International students from Heidelberg University and Tiffin University converged at Camden Falls
on Sept. 2 for the annual Tiffin Welcomes the World event at Camden Falls. Among those issuing
official welcomes were the president’s of both universities, Rob Huntington and Curtis Charles,
John Detwiler from the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Services, Tiffin Mayor
Aaron Montz and Joe Moore from the Tiffin City Schools’ International & Cultural Center. In all,
there are about 400 international students from 52 countries in Tiffin this academic year.
Cherry trees honor international students
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ts international programs and students connected to Heidelberg in the 1990s.
About 30 friends gathered Saturday to help dedicate five Japanese cherry trees, donated by Lewis
and Mary Miller in honor of the international students who attended Heidelberg in the 1990s.
Eighteen countries were represented on campus during those years when Lew was the director of
international programs. He and Mary selected the Japanese cherry trees as they remembered “the
majestic grandeur that the flowering cherry trees had on us while we lived in Japan.”
The tree cluster is located between Williard Residence Hall and Hoernemann Stadium.
In his remarks, Lew reflected on several programs that brought international students to campus
during the prime years of the mid-1990s. Also participating in the dedication were Dr. Bill Reyer,
who read an original poem, To a Stand of Cherry Trees, which he composed in honor of Lew and
Mary; Julie Arnold, President Rob Huntington and two current international students, Rika Asaba
and Moeko Kato.
A reception followed in the Fox Den Alumni Center.
Sharing their culture at Heritage Festival
International students from Heidelberg and Tiffin University had a strong presence at last weekend’s
Heritage Festival, participating in the parade in downtown Tiffin and several other traditionally
American activities. Some of those included experiencing festival food.
On Friday, international students, education majors,and HELI faculty volunteered at the Heritage Village to
teach local fourth-graders crafts and games.
Tiffin community welcomes international
students
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dents at the Tiffin Welcomes the World event (L-R): “Becky” Yidi Xing (China), Rika Asaba
(Japan), Moeko Kato (Japan), Nikki DeFere from the International Affairs Office and “Lorraine”
Kun Qian (China).
A total of 36 countries were represented Wednesday night for the second annual Tiffin Welcomes the
World event at Camden Falls. Heidelberg, Tiffin U. and the International Cultural Center cosponsored the event to welcome international students from both universities and local high schools
into the community.
“We want you to make Tiffin your home away from home,” said John Detwiler, president and CEO of
the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Services.
Mayor Aaron Montz, ’08, also welcomed the students. “I encourage all of you to make your stay
enjoyable. Explore the community and all its hidden gems. Montz also invited the students to
consider participating in his Student Advisory Committee. “I want to k now what’s on the minds of
our students.”
He added, “We are proud every one of you are here.”
‘Berg President Rob Huntington and TU President Paul Marion, along with trustees, faculty,
administrators and staff from both schools and the community helped to welcome the students.
Everyone enjoyed networking and meeting new friends.