The University of Missouri-Rolla is presenting a Unity Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Havener Center on the UMR campus. The event is coordinated by the UMR student life department.

The theme of the 2005 celebration is “Building Intercultural Bonds.” The aim is to encourage and achieve interactions with people of different ethnicities and cultures to demonstrate appreciation and acceptance of differences.

The event will include a dance performance by the UMR International Students Association, live music and a United We Stand Parade featuring local organizations. Free barbecue lunches will also be available. The general public is invited to attend.

Rolla Mayor Joseph E. Morgan will be in attendance, and soldiers from Ft. Leonard Wood will march in the parade.

Additional sponsors for UMR’s 2005 Unity Day Celebration include the Student Union Board, Student Council, UMR Chancellor John F. Carney III, the UMR Southwestern Bell Cultural Center, Pepsi-Cola of Rolla and the UMR St. Pat’s Celebration Committee.

Universities and institutions throughout the nation are participating in separate Unity Day celebrations. For more information about the UMR celebration, call (573) 341-7981.