Media Advisory: WVU HomeStart Closet officially opens

August 13th, 2009

* WHO :* James P. Clements, West Virginia University president; Michael Wilhelm, director of the Office of International Students and Scholars; Jennifer McIntosh, executive officer of the Presidents Office for Social Justice; Liz Finklea, community outreach coordinator for the Office of International Students and Scholars; and Lois Morris, coordinator of the International HomeStart Closet.

* WHAT :* The full-scale opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the International HomeStart Closet.

* WHEN :* Monday, Aug. 17 at 3 p.m.

* WHERE :* Near the front entrance to Eiesland Hall, located on Hough Street. The closet is currently located in room B16 of Eiesland Hall.

* BACKGROUND :* The WVU International HomeStart Closet provides international students moving to Morgantown for the first time with basic household necessities. Items available at the closet are limited depending on donations, in the past they have had sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, dishes, flatware, glasses, mugs, kettles, pots, pans, skillets, microwaves, coffee makers and rice cookers, among other things.


WVU has approximately 1,400 international students, representing over 100 countries.


The closet is run by the Office of International Students and Scholars, the Presidents Office for Social Justice and Women Across Cultures. It will be open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. from Aug. 17- Sept. 2. Students who cannot make it during those times, may call Morris for an appointment at 304-685-5632.


The program is always looking for donations and volunteers. Anyone interested in learning more can contact Morris at 304-685-5632.