The reception was organized as a response to last year's student listening sessions where Ivan Allen College students expressed a wish for more community, especially among international students who in recent years have enrolled in greater numbers.

In total, 88 undergraduate and graduate students whose permanent addresses are outside the United States were invited to meet each other and have dinner with Dean Jacqueline Royster. Students had a roundtable discussion with Dean Royster, the school chairs, and associate deans about their home countries, their experiences at Georgia Tech, and general concerns.

In addition, attendees also helped break the ice and bond with People Bingo. Dinner options were curated to match the diversity of the students' backgrounds as chicken curry, korean beef tacos, chicken and beef gyros, wonton sweet and sour soup, and baklava were served. Roughly 35 to 40 students were in attendace. 

Dean Royster will host another listening session with the entire student body on February 14th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (location TBD) to receive more student feedback for future events and initiatives.