CVIP has won one of MSU's Organization Awards for Excellent Progress Toward Diversity Within the Community. I'm pleased that the many hours of work over many years by so many of you has been recognized. I know that you don't do it for recognition, but it is nice when it comes! We hope that you can celebrate with us on Thursday, April 7, from 4-6 p.m. at the Awards ceremony and reception at the Kellogg Center. If you are planning to attend, please contact Dottie Schmidt (351-2812) by March 31.

Thank you to Bernard Gwekwerere for nominating us! He came from Zimbabwe with his wife and three daughters in 2000. While his wife was studying for a Ph.D. in Science Education, two CVIP scholarships helped him complete his M.A. He will start his Ph.D. program in Higher Adult and LifeLong Learning this fall at MSU. Our investment in students' lives and in their countries' future is always a privilege.

We also invite you to attend CVIP's Spring Luncheon on May 11 at noon at University Lutheran Church in East Lansing. (See the invitation on the back of this newsletter for more details.) Come and hear ways to get more involved in CVIP.

As I look back over this year, I would like to highlight a few events:

The Global Festival '04 was another successful collaboration with the MSU Union. A big thanks to Alex McCrae and his hardworking committee. Besides the crowd of people en-joying the displays and performances, the CVIP Scholarship Committee received $6700 from the World Gift Shop. Thank you to the eighty people who donated international items.

The Speakers Bureau has sent international students to many places, including Bath High School, Howell Middle School, Wainwright Elementary School and Okemos Senior Center.

At Every Tuesday international spouses and Americans meet regularly to have lively con-versations and crafts.

Ten groups are enjoying food and friendship through the Couple's Supper Club.

By the loaning of many household items, the Lending Center has helped families settle into a new place.

Haslett ESL students hosted CVIP members at a luncheon followed by performances by a pianist and a soloist.

Coffee Partners organized visits to six American homes for twenty-eight ESL students this spring.

THANK YOU all for the many ways that you have welcomed, assisted, and encouraged international students at MSU.