A Global Welcome: Hastings College Flag Ceremony Unites 67 International Students
Source: KSNB Local4 Central Nebraska. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
On a crisp autumn afternoon, the campus of Hastings College in Nebraska transformed into a tapestry of global cultures. Students from 26 different nations gathered for the annual flag ceremony, a tradition now in its eighth year that underscores the college’s dedication to international diversity. This year, 67 international students participated, each representing their home country by carrying a flag across the lawn, a visual reminder of the far-reaching corners of the world that now call this small Midwestern college home.
Luke Lewandowski, an admissions counselor and the event’s organizer, explained that the ceremony is far more than a simple welcome. “It’s really just about celebrating their culture, all the different cultures on our campus and just the different life they bring to our campus,” he said. For Lewandowski, the event is a deliberate effort to create a sense of belonging. “That’s the goal of this event, for sure, is just saying, yes, we want you here. We want to support you any way we can. And I think it’s just a great event to connect all of the different international students, too, and let them know they’re not alone here.”
Among the students was Daniel Turinsky, who traveled from New Zealand to pursue a degree in business administration. He also plays for the college’s men’s volleyball team. Turinsky described the moment he raised the New Zealand flag as a highlight of his college experience so far. “I think it’s really special being able to kind of represent where I’m from and also support all my teammates and all my fellow classmates as well,” he said. The ceremony, he noted, allowed him to share his heritage while also embracing the community that has welcomed him.
Turinsky’s impressions of Hastings have been overwhelmingly positive. “Oh, I’ve noticed that everybody’s really friendly. Like, people are holding doors for you. They’ll greet you through the streets and just make you feel welcome and included in the community around here,” he said. For him, the flag ceremony was a deeply personal milestone. “I did feel very proud about where I’m from and the journey that I’ve taken to be here. So, yeah, from a personal side, I’m really, really excited for what’s coming next,” Turinsky added.
The event has become a cornerstone of Hastings College’s approach to international student life. Beyond the flag-raising, it serves as a networking opportunity where students from different countries can meet, share stories, and form bonds that help mitigate the challenges of studying abroad. The college’s admissions office actively works to recruit students from diverse backgrounds, and the ceremony is a visible celebration of that effort.
Hastings College, located in central Nebraska, has long prided itself on a close-knit campus environment. The international program adds a layer of global awareness that enriches the entire student body. Faculty and staff often attend the ceremony, and local community members have also come to appreciate the display of flags as a symbol of the town’s expanding cultural horizons.
As the flags of 26 nations fluttered in the Nebraska breeze, the message was clear: diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated. For students like Turinsky, the ceremony marks the beginning of a journey that blends academic ambitions with cross-cultural discovery. The event also serves as a reminder that even in small towns, the world can feel remarkably close.
Article commentary
Hastings College’s flag ceremony is a small but meaningful tradition that highlights a broader trend in American higher education: the increasing emphasis on international student recruitment and inclusion. With 67 students from 26 countries, the event is a microcosm of the global classroom that many colleges aspire to create. The ceremony’s simplicity—raising flags on a campus lawn—belies its deeper significance. It is a public declaration that these students are not merely visitors but integral members of the community. From an institutional perspective, such events serve multiple purposes. They help international students navigate the often-isolating experience of studying abroad, especially in a region like the Midwest that may have less cultural diversity than coastal metropolises. Lewandowski’s comment about letting students know “they’re not alone” is crucial: research shows that strong social support networks are key to retention and academic success for international students. By creating a formal welcome, Hastings College signals that it is invested in their well-being beyond the classroom. However, the ceremony also raises questions about the sustainability of such programs. Smaller colleges often rely on international student tuition to bolster budgets, and shifts in visa policies or global economic conditions can quickly alter enrollment numbers. Hastings College’s eighth consecutive year of holding the event suggests stability, but the broader landscape for international education in the U.S. has faced headwinds, from political rhetoric to pandemic-era travel restrictions. The college’s proactive approach—hosting a visible celebration—may help counter negative perceptions and attract students who value a welcoming environment. Daniel Turinsky’s experience underscores the personal impact of these efforts. His description of Hastings as a friendly community where people hold doors and greet strangers is not just a pleasant anecdote; it reflects the kind of integration that many international students seek. Yet, the success of such integration depends on sustained effort from both the institution and the local community. Flag ceremonies are a start, but they must be followed by ongoing support services, cultural events, and opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue. Objectively, the event is a net positive for both the college and the students. It celebrates diversity without tokenizing it, and it gives students a sense of pride in their origins while encouraging them to build new connections. The challenge for Hastings College—and similar institutions—will be to maintain this momentum. As the world becomes more interconnected, ceremonies like this one may become even more vital, not just for international students, but for all students who will one day navigate a globalized workforce. The flags flying over Hastings are a reminder that education is inherently a cross-cultural exchange, and that the best learning happens when we bring our whole selves into the room.