JACKSONVILLE– Jacksonville State University’s International House will mark its 80th anniversary with a reunion Oct. 30–Nov. 1. The program has brought students from around the world to Jacksonville since 1946.
The weekend will bring alumni and friends back to campus for receptions, a luncheon and the annual UN Day Tea. Participants will also have opportunities to reconnect with the program and meet its current students.
For example, Gadsden resident Slava Katliarou has maintained that connection well beyond graduation. The Belarus native lived in the International House from 2008 through 2012 and recently established a scholarship honoring former director Dr. John Ketterer and his wife, Ivania.
As WEIS reported in September, the award will support a student who builds connections across cultures. Katliarou linked the gift to the approaching anniversary in a university interview published Sept. 8.
“The whole idea is I just wanted to give back,” he told the university.
After moving to Gadsden in 2023, Katliarou remained involved with the International House Foundation Board. He also credited the program with helping him develop leadership skills.
Meanwhile, today’s residents participate in a program built around daily interaction between American and international students. The university also describes a 40-member model pairing 20 American students with 20 international students. Each international resident represents a different country.
That approach grew from a much smaller beginning: four students from France arrived in 1946 for a program originally focused on language. Since then, its emphasis has expanded to global understanding and peace.
The university’s reunion schedule begins with a reception Friday, Oct. 30, at 5 p.m. on the 11th floor of Houston Cole Library.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, a tour, breakfast and workshops begin at 8 a.m. at the International House. A formal luncheon follows at noon in Leone Cole Auditorium, with current International House students invited to attend.
Then, the UN Day Tea takes place Sunday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. at the International House. A reception at Houston Cole Library follows later that afternoon.
All listed times are Central. For Northwest Georgia readers, the Sunday tea begins at 2 p.m. Eastern.
The university’s registration page lists a $120 standard reunion package. That includes the scheduled receptions, Saturday breakfast and luncheon, and Sunday tea. It also lists a discounted rate for young alumni.
However, the published information does not specify whether people may attend the tea separately without reunion registration. Those interested in the tea or remaining reunion availability should contact the International House at 256-782-5303 before making plans.
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