VIU_Magazine_Summer_2017

VIU.EDU
THE IMPORTANCE OF
DIVERSITY
Performers showcase traditional Ethiopian dances.
On February 28, 2017, the Student Affairs
Department held its second annual African
Heritage Celebration. VIU was honored
to have Intern Mack Dieudonne Voumbo
and Secretary Sarah Marie-Chantal
Andely, from the Embassy of Republic
of Congo, Oliva Kavishe and Nassra
Missana from the Embassy of the United
Republic of Tanzania, and representatives
from the Nigeria Embassy in attendance.
VIU's neighbors, the Gardens at Fair
Oaks, escorted resident, Mrs. Tutu, who is
originally from Egypt. Attendees enjoyed
dishes native to Egypt and Ethiopia for
lunch. Ethiopian Dancers performed
three different traditional dances along
with delightful singing. The event closed
with a beautiful and entertaining Egyptian
Folklore performance.
VIU students gain interview skills at a career workshop.
STAY CONNECTED WITH VIU
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID & VETERAN’S BENEFITS WORKSHOP
VIU held its first Federal Financial Aid and
Veteran’s Workshop event on February 23,
2017. This workshop is a quarterly offering
to provide important financial and benefit
information to our prospective students in
the local DC, MD, and VA market. VIU is
proud to be a Military-Friendly University
accepting Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits
for those who have served our country.
Informative presentations were conducted
VIU guests learn about educational financial aid benefits.
by Ms. Busanee Luemrung, Financial Aid
Officer, and Ms. Martha Huaman, Assistant
Registrar and VA School Certifying Official.
As part of a community service, guests that
attended were given valuable insight into
options for financing higher education
with Federal Financial Aid and how to
utilize Veteran’s Benefits to invest in one’s
future. VIU looks forward to providing this
complimentary service for 2017 and beyond.
Since November, the Alumni Association
has organized several events: 2016
graduation send-off for the youngest VIU
Alumni; a Happy Hour; and a Professional
Career Advice Seminar: Interview tips and
Potential Employers.
The seminar started as an idea from
VIU alumni who were sharing experiences
about their search for jobs and asked for
opportunities to meet with employers. For
the event, Ms. Taylor, from the Career
Center, invited employers who are actively
hiring.
Employers were asked to answer
questions from alumni like: can you share
with us your company’s work culture and
the type of services/resources that you offer?
What positions are you currently seeking
to fill? What are the requirements to be
considered for the openings? Can you share
with us more information and insight about
the interview process? And, what career tips
or suggestions would you offer entry-level
candidates seeking employment?
At the same time, employers gave
some tips to alumni and students on how
to build their resumes, the importance of
internships, how to dress for an interview,
and the importance of networking.
Summer 2017 University Magazine, VIU
11