For the Federal Way News

Danwa and tomonari-conversation and new friendships-are the goals of a reception on Wed., Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Marina Inn, 22300 7th Ave. S., Des Moines.

The public and media are invited to meet and interact with 26 students and two instructors from Japan's Osaka University of Commerce participating in program hosted by Highline Community College's International Student Programs and Center for Extended Learning.

The reception is free and open to the public. RSVP to Mariko Fujiwara, Director, International Student Programs, at (206) 870-3725 or e-mail to INT@highline.edu by August 22.

The purpose of the visit is to study English at Highline, interact with the local community and share modern Japanese cultural perspectives.

They will visit Judson Park Retirement Home on Friday, Sept. 2 to have lunch with the residents and give a presentation about Japan.

The summer program runs August 24 to September 5.

Upon completing an intensive two-day orientation, the students will live with local host families. The Marina Inn serves as Highline's International student dormitory for a number of the college's 200 international students.

Highline Community College was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County.

With approximately 10,000 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state's largest institutions of higher education.

The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening and weekend classes.

Alumni include former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, entrepreneur Junki Yoshida and noted author Ann Rule.

Highline's main campus is located midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99).