A reception was first held in the Linenfold Room, so named for the folded fabric design carved into the antique paneled walls.  Appetizers included croque monsieur and teriaki chicken.

Following the reception, the group of more than 150 students, monks, faculty, guests and host families headed into the Dining Hall for an invocation read by Dom Christopher Davis '45.  Then all were treated to a sumptuous buffet of international specialties prepared by our dining staff under the guidance of Bob Cicerone,  director of dining services, and our new Sodexho Chef Stephanie Petreccia.  Dishes included antipasto, curried chicken, seafood pasta, cheese lasagna, hibachi beef, curried vegetable stew and wiener schnitzel.  Apple strudel and black forest cake rounded up the menu, with Fiji water available at each table.

Dr. Fred Zilian, advisor to the international student program, sat at the head table with his wife, Geri, director of admissions.  Dr. Zilian spoke to the guests about diplomacy and the importance of solving global conflict with global cooperation.  Students then followed to the podium, each extolling the beauty of his or her native country, with most putting in a plug for the national soccer team.  Included in the guest list were visiting international Naval War College officers and their families as well as four Portsmouth Abbey families who have hosted international students for the year.  Headmaster Jim De Vecchi and his wife, Deb, joined the international students and host families at the dinner. 

View photos of the International Student Dinner here.