Greetings, Students & Scholars!

Happy October! The weather is starting to get a little cooler, the leaves are beginning to change, and there are lots of fun fall activities to look forward to all month long. We hope you enjoy this issue of the OIE "Friday Greetings" newsletter.

OIE & CMU News & Events

CMU Family Weekend: Oct. 8-9

CMU student with parent during Family Weekend

Family Weekend brings together undergraduate and graduate students, families and friends to experience the vibrancy of the Carnegie Mellon campus and surrounding community. Family Weekend 2021 is scheduled for Oct. 8 and 9, and will offer more than 50 different sessions including academic programming, exhibits, student performances, varsity athletic competitions and special events. Please review the Family Weekend website carefully, as CMU's COVID-19 mitigation policies will be in effect. Pre-registration is required for all guests to attend any events during Family Weekend. Guests should register by Oct. 8. View the schedule and register.

Gandhi Community Celebration

In observance of the International Day of Peace, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion and the Alliance for Humanitarian Initiatives, Non-violence, and Spiritual Advancement invites you to attend the annual 2021 Gandhi Community Celebration on Oct. 3 at 3:15 p.m. The program will feature student essays, performances, interfaith messages, and a special keynote from Prof. Doug Allen of the University of Maine. Professor Allen is a notable peace and justice scholar-activist who has dedicated his career to Gandhian studies and social activism. Register for the webinar via zoom.

Queering the Way for National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day poster

Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant, will host a panel Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 5 to 6:15 p.m., that explores topics and issues connected to LGBTQ+ identities ranging from inclusive facilities, to allyship and accompliceship, to being your most authentic selves! Esteemed panelists will share their experiences and expertise and will answer questions from the CMU community. Attend this session for what promises to be an engaging and timely discussion as we ready our campus community to celebrate National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 and drive closer towards inclusiveness and belongingness for everyone! Learn more.

Noche Latina to Kick Off Family Weekend

To kick off Family Weekend, join The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, SALSA, SHPE and LABC for a late night of Latinx/Hispanic cultural festivities where everyone is welcome. Enjoy live music, salsa dancing, student talent, and traditional treats. We can't wait to meet your familia! Noche Latina will be hosted on Oct. 8 from 8 p.m. to 12midnight in Rangos on the second floor of the Cohon University Center. Registration for Family Weekend activities is required.

Our Pittsburgh Picks

DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Event

Inside balcony view in the Frick Building

DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh invites you to experience downtown like never before on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! You will have access to a diverse collection of iconic and newly designed buildings – churches, government offices, commercial residential buildings, artist spaces, theaters, hotels, and more. Explore a bank vault. See an amazing view. And much more! This annual event encourages you to move at your own pace and allow the moment to be your guide. You decide which buildings you want to visit and in what order. Once you arrive at a building, simply show your event tickets for admittance. All are welcome! View additional information and get tickets.

Kennywood Phantom Fall Fest

Phantom Fest poster

Experience Kennywood's new Phantom Fall Fest every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Oct. 1 through 31! Visit the park during the day for family-friendly fun, including festive food and a unique Kennywood autumn atmosphere. After dark, the Phantom takes screams to the extreme with five haunted houses and four scare zones. Learn more.

Sharpsburg Fall Festival

Orange and green pumpkins and fall leaves

The Sharpsburg Fall Festival, taking place Saturday, Oct. 2 from 2 to 7 p.m., is one of the largest fall festivals in the tri-state area! Over three football fields of vendors, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, bounce houses, three live entertainment areas, food trucks and food vendors, carriage rides and FIREWORKS to end the event! There's something fun for everyone! The festival takes place at Kennedy Park, 13th St. at N. Canal St. in Sharpsburg.

16 Places to Get Caffeinated

People sitting in Espresso A Mano coffee shop drinking coffee

New coffee shops are popping up all over the Burgh, giving us plenty of options to feel cozy, meet new neighbors and support local businesses. There are few things better than spending a morning at a cozy coffee shop in Pittsburgh. Above is Espresso A Mano in Lawrenceville, which is just one of the 16 best places to get caffeinated in the Pittsburgh area, according to VisitPittsburgh.

Have an Event or Announcement for Friday Greetings?

If you have an event or announcement that you wish to submit for inclusion in OIE's Friday Greetings newsletter, please submit it to ES-Communications@andrew.cmu.edu. Information should be submitted by Wednesday at 5 p.m. EST for inclusion in the following Friday's newsletter.

CMU's Office of International Education distributed this email. You are receiving it because of your status as an international student or scholar.

Carnegie Mellon University
Office of International Education
5000 Forbes Ave, Cyert Hall, Suite 101
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
www.cmu.edu/oie