School of social work celebrates 12th International Festival April 27 and 29

April 17, 2006 -- From thought-provoking presentations and informative exhibitions to traditional foods and lively entertainment, international students in the George Warren Brown School of Social Work will offer a taste of their homelands during the 12th annual International Festival April 27 and 29.

The theme of this year's festival, which is free and open to the public, is "Bringing the World to You."

The celebration will kick off with a forum on religion, called "Religious Pluralism: Engaging People of Different Faiths to Create a More Just Society," from 12-2 p.m. April 27 in Brown Lounge.

The forum's panel discussion, moderated by Nancy Vosler, Ph.D., associate professor of social work, is designed to facilitate discussion on religious issues that cut across national boundaries and impact the field of social work. It also will address interfaith activities and programs in the St. Louis area that work to bridge the divide between religious communities.

Forum panelists include: Reena Hajat, outreach and development manager for the Interfaith Partnership of St. Louis and Faith Beyond Walls; William Omari Miller, J.D., assistant professor of sociology and anthropology at Principia College and an adjunct professor at the School of Social Work; Imam Muhamed Hasic, religious leader and president and CEO of the Islamic Community Center of St. Louis; Reverend Cynthia Bumb, pastor of the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ; and Rabbi Lynn Goldstein, outreach rabbi at Jewish Family and Children Services.

A question and answer session will follow the presentations.

On April 29, students will offer an international banquet from 5-6:30 p.m. in the main hallways of Goldfarb and Brown Halls. Attendees can sample food from more than 20 countries. Cultural exhibits also will be on display in Goldfarb Hall, Room 124.

After the banquet, students will present dance, music, song and poetry from around the world in Brown Hall, Room 100.

"Our school has become a ground where the most varied cultures and traditions come together in harmony, said Shikha Manandhar, second-year social work student and one of the organizers of the event. "We encourage the Washington University to join us for this memorable event."

For more information and to reserve tickets for the April 29 performance, visit http://gwbweb.wustl.edu/virtualgwb/groups/festival/ or e-mail intfestival@gwbmail.wustl.edu.