UCM Rededicates International Flag Display

The international flag display in the Ward Edwards Building atrium is seen during the rededication ceremony on Friday, Feb. 28.

 

University of Central Missouri (UCM) students, faculty and staff, both past and present, gathered Friday afternoon, Feb. 28 to celebrate a rededication ceremony for the international flag display in the Ward Edwards Building atrium.

Ward Edwards visitors are likely familiar with the building’s display of international flags, a show of support for the international student population at UCM. Some flags had become faded after years of hanging in the sun, so new brackets, poles and flags were installed in summer 2024. A new plaque was recently added, recognizing the countries represented and the donors who sponsored the flags.

 

Phil Hull, director of International Student Services, welcomed those gathered for the rededication ceremony, followed by remarks from President Roger Best. As Hull shared during the event, the new plaque reads: 

These flags celebrate the long tradition of international students and scholars coming to the University of Central Missouri (formerly Central Missouri State University), as well as the personal global connections of UCM students, faculty, staff and community.

These “ambassadors”–an integral part of the UCM family–have shared their culture, stories and friendship, making UCM and the broader community richer and wiser for it.

Each flag is arranged alphabetically by continent, with North and South America to the north, Africa and Oceania to the south, Asia to the west, and Europe to the east.

This project, initiated in 2004 by Dr. Joy Stevenson, receives ongoing support from UCM’s International Student Services Office and the following special donors.

The new plaque highlights the countries featured in the international flag display and the donors who helped make the project possible.

Stevenson, director emerita of the International Center, and Charles Petentler, former international recruitment officer, attended the celebration.

Hull said the flags represent the countries of current and former students dating back to the 1940s. He added that a few are “aspirational for the countries of students we hope to welcome.”

To sponsor a flag, visit the MuleNation International website. For more information about International Student Services, visit ucmo.edu/iss.

 

UCM President Roger Best speaks to those gathered in the Ward Edwards atrium as
Phil Hull, director of International Student Services, is seen standing next to him.