From Madagascar to SC State, finding a world of belonging

Parade of Nations celebrates global cultures as university honors international students and campus contributors with International Month awards

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — For Iriela Rajaobelina, coming to South Carolina State University from Madagascar meant adjusting to a new country, a different culture and unfamiliar surroundings. But the 18-year-old freshman has found something that makes the distance from home feel a little smaller: a community of students who understand her experience.

“It’s good because when you come here and you’re alone, it’s hard to find people who have experienced the same thing as you,” Rajaobelina said. “You can find yourself a little bit in events like this, meaning that you feel less lonely, and it feels good to experience.”

That sense of connection was at the heart of SC State's Nov. 11 celebration of International Awareness Month, which brought students and employees together for a Parade of Nations through campus and an awards ceremony recognizing contributions to cultural awareness and international education.

Syria, the Czech Republic, Tanzania, Nigeria and Thailand were among the countries represented in the flag procession, which began in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium and proceeded to the Bulldog Lounge. The drumline of SC State's Marching 101 Band led the procession.

Rajaobelina, a business management major and member of the university's award-winning women's tennis team, said she has enjoyed her experience at SC State.

“It’s been great. It’s been great to travel and play matches. Being with all the other international students has been nice also. Seeing the culture and the environment here is different, but it’s been good,” she said.

A tradition of global engagement

“International Awareness Month has been an important university tradition since 2004, when it was established with the approval of our ninth president, Dr. Andrew Hugine, who is also a distinguished alumnus of South Carolina State University,” said Dr. David Staten, SC State's associate provost for academic affairs, during the opening ceremony.

“For more than two decades, this celebration has reflected our commitment to cultural diversity, international understanding and global engagement,” he said.

“Through the leadership of our Office of Global Engagement and Dr. (Learie) Luke and his staff, our students have opportunities to broaden their perspectives through study abroad, international travel, cultural immersion and educational experiences right here on the campus,” Staten said.

He highlighted the university's continued efforts to promote International Awareness Month.

“We recently opened the International Resource Center. Our annual Parade of Nations and today’s celebration further illustrate the university’s commitment to recognizing and embracing cultures from around the world,” he said.

Staten also recognized the university's Global Student Association (GSA) and its efforts to bring American and international students together.

Global Engagement Director Dr. Learie Luke read a proclamation from SC State President Alexander Conyers in his absence. The proclamation declared November 2026 International Awareness Month at SC State.

Students share the importance of cultural connections

GSA President Veronica Bobo said cultural awareness events provide opportunities for international students to connect and share their experiences.

“I believe that promoting cultural awareness events is important. International students find an opportunity to come together and share the same things, the same perspective, the same experiences they go through as international students,” she said.

“It’s also important for domestic students so they can see the opportunity and the outcome that comes from experiencing other countries. It gives them the interest to study abroad, as well as becoming richer in cultural awareness,” she said.

Bobo, 20, is a sophomore biology and applied oncology major from Mozambique.

Graduate students Timothy Kangogo of Kenya and Miriam Mkufya of Tanzania are both studying transportation and highway engineering at SC State.

Both also teach Swahili at the university, an opportunity Kangogo appreciates.

“I get to share my culture. Swahili is a widely spoken language in East Africa. When I share with people, I want to spark curiosity in them and hope that the fire that we ignite will help them be able to understand other cultures and understand that our different cultural perspectives contribute to the overall wellbeing of the world,” he said.

Kangogo said the ceremony and flag procession were also significant.

“It’s a platform whereby we bring different views to a common event and celebrate. Food is also fellowship. Communicating and getting to understand each other is something that is also good. Seeing each other as a family of nations, having the flags and the pride in our hearts makes it quite an important event,” he said.

Mkufya said the events brought people together in a positive way.

“It’s just inspiring to sit with people, and I just see that this school is an HBCU that welcomes people from different places. It’s so nice to see that,” she said.

Dean encourages students to explore the world

Dr. Stanley N. Ihekweazu, dean of SC State's College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Transportation, served as the program's featured speaker.

“As dean of the STEM college, I am a very strong advocate of internships and even a stronger advocate for study abroad,” he said.

Ihekweazu, a native of Nigeria, recalled his experiences traveling the world, including his postsecondary education in Bulgaria, where he attended the Higher Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.

He said he “couldn’t understand a thing they were saying” during his first month there, but he persevered and was able to travel to other places, including Greece, Romania, Italy and France.

Ihekweazu said studying abroad helps students become better global citizens and provides international experience that can strengthen their resumes when they begin looking for jobs.

“You gain also cultural communication when you immerse yourself in another country. That gives you an advantage. You also get international networking ability.

“Traveling opens doors to global internships. That allows you to connect with professors, mentors and other people. You see how they get along,” he said.

International Awareness Month awards presented

The following awards were presented during the ceremony:

• Cultural Immersion Award: Jaydah Felder and Aliya Richardson.

• Study Abroad Ambassador Award:Dajanique Leysath and Saniya Valcin.

• International Student of the Year Award:Veronica Bobo, Timothy Kangogo, Angel Lucian, Steven Paul and Miriam Mkufya.

• International Awareness Appreciation Award: Marching 101 Drumline and Dr. Eric Williams.