Approximately 75 people dined on international cuisine at the International House during the annual reception and award ceremony last week, sponsored by the Office of Internationalization.

The event was to honor students and leaders for their achievements in the international community at the University of Denver.

Consuls and honorary consuls from 15 countries attended the event.

The consuls represented countries all around the world such as Australia, Belgium, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, and Peru.

Students who were honored at the event were Darcie Fontaine received the Study Abroad Award, Joseph Campe received the International Service Learning Award and Bassem Hassan received the International Student and Scholars Award.

Kent Scroggs and Gene Congdon were the recipients of the community award.

“International studies are a very important and integral part of DU,” said Ved Nanda, the vice-provost for internalization and director of the international legal studies program at the College of Law.

“The only way to engage in the international arena is to welcome international students and their culture to the United States and send out students abroad to promote our culture.”

Currently, the university’s international student population stands at approximately 750 students, roughly 10 percent of the total student population.

“I am really impressed that the chancellor, the president, and the provost are here,” said Honorary Consul Arnold C. Wegher of Austria.

“It really shows the importance and value that this institution places on international studies and relations”.

Senior Joshua Herald-Olson said his experience studying abroad in Barcelona was unforgettable.

“It was the best six months of my life. I met people that to this day still remain some of my best friends. Take advantage of the DU study abroad program; you wont regret it,” he said.