Dr. Krikor Partamian of St. Joseph was the Ping Pong National Champion of Syria in 1960.

Missouri Western State University presents the inaugural Dr. Krikor Partamian Ping Pong Tournament at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29 in the Looney Small Gym. The registration fee for participants is $25. There is a $10 admission fee for observers; students will be admitted free. Proceeds will benefit the International Student Program at Missouri Western.

Dr. Partamian was a member of Missouri Western’s Board of Regents (now Board of Governors) from 1996 to 2002. In 1960, he was the Ping Pong National Champion of Syria.

Contestants will play a double-elimination tournament, with the bracket winner to play Dr. Partamian at 8:30 p.m.

In addition to the competition, attendees can enjoy a sampling of international foods and learn more about many of the countries represented among Missouri Western’s international students. There will also be a cash bar.

For more information or to register, please call the Missouri Western President’s Office at 816-271-4237. The registration deadline is March 24.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.