International students enjoy graduation party

Following the Commencement ceremony on May 18, Polly Karis and her husband hosted a party for international students at their home in Stephentown.

“It started as a party to honor my young Burmese friend, Khun Thiri,” Polly said. “Khun is here in the US with no family. As a full-time student, she maintained a 4.0 GPA and received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Business Administration, all while working a full time job. She will transfer to SUNY Albany for her BA in Accounting.”

A senior library clerk, Polly met Khun in 2011 when she had a work-study job in the Marvin Library.

According to Karis, the party grew to include other grads, future grads and their family and friends. “We had students from Burma, China, India and Korea, many of whom were honors and awards recipients. We had a variety of delicious international foods (and no alcohol). The students really unwound from a challenging semester. My husband and I agreed it was one of the best parties we’ve ever had and vowed to make it an annual event,” she said.