May 20, 2016 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven's new Dr. Billy Kim International Center is nearly complete, and the University will celebrate its opening with 300 guests from South Korea. Broadcaster, pastor and influential speaker Dr. Billy Kim with business leaders, professional broadcasters, choirs and staff from Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) are all flying to the University to commemorate the opening of the new conference facility that bears his name.
Gov. Phil Bryant and Dr. Kim are scheduled to speak at the building dedication ceremony on Sunday, June 26 at 3:00 p.m. Later that day, the world-famous FEBC Korea Children's Choir will perform a free concert for the public, beginning at 7 p.m. in Belhaven's Center for the Arts Concert Hall. The choir will also perform for Highlands Presbyterian Church and Broadmoor Baptist Church earlier that morning.
Dr. Billy Kim International Center highlights the importance of global perspectives in higher education as well as celebrates the relationship the University has with South Korea.
The 16,000 square foot, two-story facility has a flexible design that will allow for diverse programming within the building. The lower level will include study, gathering, and learning spaces, where large or multiple small groups can work together. This level will include a teaching center for both the international studies academic major and the English as a second language course of study. Seminar rooms will vary in size and have flexible furnishings that allow lectures as well as group project learning. A dedicated prayer room is also on the lower level.
The upper level of the center provides a flexible conference space that allows theatre-style seating for 300 guests or banquet-style seating for 200 people. This large area can quickly be divided into two areas to accommodate separate meetings. The level also holds a large serving kitchen to support the conference facility, and a large lobby for gathering before and after functions.