Chuck Hildebrandt, marketing account executive for Bemidji-based Paul Bunyan Communications, is sharing his experiences from a recent Rotary International exchange trip to northern Finland at Bemidji State University’s Cosmopolitan Café.

The Café, which will be held from 3-5 p.m. June 27 in the lower Hobson Memorial Union’s Crying Wolf Room, is a monthly presentation focusing on a different aspect of our global society. The presentations are free and open to everyone, and light refreshments will be served.

Hildebrandt traveled to Finland as part of Rotary’s Group Student Exchange Program, a cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional people in the early years of their careers. Rotary districts in different nations are paired to send and receive study teams, which include four to six non-Rotarian members and one Rotarian team leader, for a four- to six-week excursion. The groups stay in the homes of Rotarians on the trips when possible. The program helps develop professional and leadership skills, allowing them a broader vision when addressing the needs of their communities in an increasingly global workplace. Program participants follow an extensive program of international travel and team-based activities.

The Cosmopolitan Café is sponsored by BSU’s Center for Extended Learning, the Hobson Memorial Union, the BSU International Program Center and Residential Life. It meets in an informal setting on the last Friday of each month to promote cultural education, communication and leadership between students, faculty, staff and the Bemidji community. The presentations offer opportunities to gain new perspectives on oral traditions, performing and visual arts, rituals, food and more.

Contact
• Angie Gora, summer program director; (218) 755-2851