LFIS Executive Board Members with former La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds at the 2023 Harvest Dinner
Who we are
In 1987 the La Crosse friends of International Students was founded to promote social interaction between international students and the La Crosse community. These college students offer unique and rewarding opportunities for cultural experiences.
Since then over 1,000 local families have been matched up with international students, the most important activity of LFIS.
Once a friendship family is matched up with an international student, the students are invited by their friendship families to their homes to experience American family life. Families might take their student sightseeing, shopping, to the theater or other community events or activities. In addition, LFIS sponsors special events which bring students and the community together. Students do not live with friendship families!
Our Leadership
Consists of an executive board of no more than fourteen individuals including the president, secretary, treasurer, and other community members. They help set the direction of our organization, plan events, and make decisions pertinent to the wellbeing of La Crosse Friends of International Students.
What is the Role of LFIS?
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Board Members
Officers
Barb Gibson: Treasurer
Karen Lange: Secretary
Lizbeth Reynertson: President
College Representatives
Betsy Breckenridge: Western Technical College Representative
Melissa Giefer: Viterbo Representative
Miranda Panzer: UW—La Crosse Representative
At Large Members
Beth Binsfeld
Megan McDougal Binsfeld
Dan Bodelson
Jacob Eichers
Mark Gibson
Marta Martinez
Maintain the Friendship Family program
Provide opportunities for international students to participate in community events
Offer welcome events
Support international themed activities in cooperation with other entities
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!