By Courtney Van Hoosen | Office of Global Strategies
In the last year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln awarded more than 5,600 degrees to its graduates who joined the ranks of more than 200,000 living alumni around the world.
On May 9, the Office of Global Strategies and Nebraska Alumni Association hosted the annual International Student Graduation Reception virtually to recognize the more than 750 international student graduates in the last year.
“While we’re disappointed that we can’t celebrate in person with each and every one of you in these unique circumstances, we’re so proud of how you all have risen to the challenge and adjusted to the new ways that we’ve all had to work and learn over the last few months,” associate vice chancellor for global affairs, Josh Davis, told the graduates during his opening remarks.
The reception, which has been viewed more than 1,500 times, included guest speakers Shelley Zaborowski, executive director of the Nebraska Alumni Association; several faculty and staff with well-wishes for the graduates; and even a special shoutout to the graduating Rwandan CUSP scholars from U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, Peter Vrooman.
“Hats off to you, to your professors, and to your parents on your successful commencement!” Ambassador Vrooman shared to the 44 graduates of the CASNR CUSP program.
The highlight of the reception included remarks from eight of the international graduates, who shared messages of positivity for their fellow graduates and highlighted some of their favorite memories from their Husker experience. The students featured included:
- Chin May Teoh, a nutrition and health sciences major from Malaysia with a passion for promoting wellbeing and cultural awareness
- Ali Jabbar, an architecture major from Iraq who used his design skills to reach beyond limits in building designs and branding for student organizations
- Karen Da Silva, an agronomy and horticulture Ph.D. graduate from Brazil who leaves behind a legacy of involvement and academic excellence after nearly a decade at Nebraska
- Said Al Barumi, a mechanical engineering major from Oman who is working towards his dream of becoming a professional licensed engineer with his UNL training
- Anja Rakotoarimanana, a finance major from Madagascar who made Nebraska her second home after getting involved and worked with prospective international students
- Hongfei “Frank” Yu, a food sciences and technology major from China who will continue his graduate education in the Netherlands at the renowned Wageningen University
- Zilfa Irakoze, an integrated sciences major from Rwanda who is eager for a career in agricultural leadership after being part of the CUSP program
- Chris JiHo Beon, an international business major from South Korea, who graduates after helping strengthen the connection between the university’s domestic and international communities
As Davis said at the conclusion of the event, “Although we would have much preferred to celebrate with you in person, we hope you all know how proud we are to count you in our Husker alumni family. Congratulations once again to each of you, and remember—once a Husker, always a Husker.”
Replays of the virtual International Student Graduation Reception are available at https://go.unl.edu/intl2020. Individual features of the eight international graduates are available on the Global Nebraska website.