By Jon Gambrell
Enquirer contributor

REILY TWP. - On Thanksgiving, Norma and Martin Clawson opened their home to international Miami University students.

The Clawsons, both 69, are co-chairs of the Community Service Program for Foreign Students, Faculty and Families. The volunteer group picks up students from the airport and mentors them.

"We help with their adjustment into American life," Norma Clawson said. "This has given us the opportunity to enjoy young people and see life through someone else's eyes."

The Clawson family holds Thanksgiving on Saturday; the couple have traditionally invited students to their home to enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes, pies and fresh vegetables.

The Clawsons have helped students grocery shop, practice for driving tests and have lent support during tough times. They even traveled to Greece eight years ago to see the wedding of one of their former students.

The program, started more than 30 years ago, pairs volunteer families from Butler, Preble and Hamilton counties with international students. Students live on their own in dorms or off-campus and can call on them when they need help.

Russian-born Vladimir Shubin, who is getting a master's degree from the music department, said the Clawsons are great hosts.

"They helped international students find furniture, or if they don't have a place to stay, they've stayed with them (the Clawsons)," the 27-year-old pianist said. "Sometimes, I need a ride to the airport and they'll drive me and pick me up."

"We can sit here in our own comfortable home and let the whole world come to us," Martin Clawson said.

For information about helping, call the Clawsons at (513) 756-9694.

---

E-mail jgambrell@fuse.net