First international silent auction kicks off Friday night, Community pitches in donations

With hopes of joining students from across the globe and the community together, the Office of International Programs and Services invites the public to the first international silent auction.

The event takes place tonight in Hulman Memorial Student Union, Dede I from 6 to 8 p.m.

"This is a good chance for people to see what international students have been putting together," said Zachariah Mathew, associate director of the Office of International Programs and Services.

Mathew, currently pursuing his PhD in higher education administration, is responsible for coordinating international student and scholar services and events, including the silent auction.

As a graduate assistant, Mathew arranged a similar silent auction through the Office of International Programs and Services in 2002 and saw positive results.

"I bought items from India –I am from there– for the auction," Mathew said. "I spent $500-600, and the profits tripled. They sold like hot cakes."

All proceeds for Friday's event will go towards international student programming.

"But it's not just about the money," Mathew said. "I wanted to engage the international students. Here is an opportunity to work together. Integration: that is the key."

Students, faculty and staff have contributed to donating items for the silent auction.

Items for the auction originate from India, Japan, Argentina, Morocco and Russia.

"Some students called their parents back home to help with donations,"  said Tonya Collier, AmeriCorps program coordinator. "A lot of these items were literally flown in."

Collier has been a part of organizing the event alongside Mathew and a planning committee made up of seven international students. Collier is also a graduate student pursuing her masters in student affairs and higher education.

A variety of snacks, from sushi to crackers, will be offered at the auction, along with live entertainment: several international students will be putting on song performances, Collier said.

"It is a great way to see what international students are doing on campus," Mathew said, "while holiday shopping at the same time."

Items available for purchase include jewelry, showcase items, trinkets and tribal artwork.