The opening ceremony on Sept 29, 2008 got off to a great start with wonderful piano music. This was followed by a warm welcome by Raphael, the Master of Ceremonies. National Anthems of all the member countries were played and the Fellows of the respective countries sang along enthusiastically.
The ceremony continued with Dr Marvellene Hughes, President, DU welcoming us.She told us of the relevance of the Symposium theme and how preserving the environment was our "collective responsibilty to the future". Following this, Mr. R.King Milling welcomed us on behalf of the Board of Trustees and spoke further about the relevance of the theme to New Orleans and to the whole world.
Megan, the Symposium Co-ordinator extended a warm welcome told us of the program in store for us.
As always, Winthrop enthralled the audience with his wonderful speech sprinkled with humour. He thanked the organizers for all the hard work. He also informed us of the participation of Brown University in the future activities. He stressed on the question of the relevance of the MF, when there are other social networks and students studying abroad. He spoke on global fraternity, networking ,competing with Globalization, etc.
Tanja took the podium next and with an apt analogy of "swimming" in inter-cultural waters encouraged fellows to go deeper in their endeavor to learn about other cultures.
Ulrike stressed on how fellows should contribute to the improvement of the JF program.
This was follwoed by Mr Carver Davenport's stunning rendition of "If I can help Somebody.." The song's lyrics spoke about the spirit of brotherhood and sacrifice.
The closing remarks were given by Dr Marvellene Hughes.
Carolina Catalan, from UFRO told the audience about the Photo exhibition the UFRO campus plans to conduct and encouraged all the fellows to take great pictures and share it with them to become "the next best photographers at UFRO":)so guys please do share the great pictures you have taken with the UFRO folks .
This marked the completion of the Opening ceremony and the beginning of a great Symposium...
