Eric Liew, an alumnus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), has donated $1 million to his alma mater for the creation of an international student center.
"This is the fulfillment of a dream and goal we've had at the university for some years to provide a facility for our international students that would be welcoming and allow the interaction of both the international students and our domestic native students on a daily basis," Dr. Nick Bruno, ULM president, said.
When Liew joined USM from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, he faced similar challenges like current international students. Recollecting one of the difficulties, Liew said that he had to go all by himself to purchase food because he knew no one on campus and in northeastern Louisiana.
"When I came here...I bought milk and hot dogs. I got back to my dorm and there was no refrigerator...I want the international students to come here and have a place; a one stop shop." Liew, a 1993 graduate of Bachelor of Business Administration in economics, said in a statement.
Experiences like these made him think about the student center.
The center that will include a kitchen, meeting rooms, short-term lodging, and socializing space aims to provide a home-like atmosphere for international students. It will serve as a base camp until they are allotted campus housing or find an alternative accomodation.
Liew feels that ULM's lack of resources, aimed at foreign students, has hindered the university's international student traffic.
"I know we can do better at encouraging international students to come to ULM," Liew said. "This center will help them as they transition to life in a new country."
Margaret Adams, a freshman and a native of West Africa, is happy that this center will provide a smooth transition to all future international students.
"When I came here I also didn't know anyone and nobody was on campus when I arrived. This really means a lot because when we come we don't know anyone and most of us don't have cars and you have to call somebody just to go get necessities. This will make it more relaxing for international students so they won't have to stress so much," Adams said. "I'm very excited," The New Star reports.
