Northwestern to Play Host to Workshop Highlighting Marshallese People, Culture

March 31, 2026

Event flyer with a pink and gray background. Bold black text at the top reads "Crossing Oceans, One Islander's Path to America." Below, in large bold text: "Terry Mote." A photograph shows a man in a blue button-up shirt and bolo tie speaking at a podium. Text lists the date — Friday, April 10th, 2026 — and four campus locations: Alva EC 109, Enid Room 202, Woodward Room 144, and Ponca City Room 124. Two sessions are listed: Noon to 1:15 p.m., Lunch and Learn — History of the Marshallese People; and 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. — Current Challenges of the Marshallese People and ways of supporting. Bold text at lower right reads "All Faculty, Staff, Students, and Community Welcome!" Hosted by the University Support & Engagement Committee.

ALVA, Okla. — Terry Mote, founder and president of the Oklahoma Micronesian Coalition, will be speaking about the history and challenges of the Marshallese people and culture on Friday, April 10, in the Joe J. Struckle Education Center, Room 109, on the Northwestern Oklahoma State University-Alva campus.

This event is sponsored by the University Support and Engagement Committee (USE). There will be two sessions. The first session, “History of the Marshallese People,” will be from noon to 1:15 p.m., and the second, “Current Challenges of the Marshallese People,” will be from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch to the first session.

“This event is open to all—students, faculty, staff, and community members—and we look forward to welcoming a great crowd,” said Yesenia Buckhaults, chair of the Northwestern USE Committee and instructor of education. “Northwestern is a welcoming family where everyone belongs, and getting to know our students is one of the most meaningful ways to help them feel valued and at home.”

The presentation will also be streamed to the Northwestern-Enid campus, Room 202; the University Center at Ponca City, Room 124; and the Northwestern-Woodward campus, Room 144.

“The USE Committee is excited to host Mr. Mote,” Buckhaults said. “We look forward to learning more about the Marshall Island culture and customs.”

For more information, contact Buckhaults at ybuckhaults@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8459.

-NW-

Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480



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