Over 400 international students who completed degrees and programs were honored at a graduation reception held by the Center for Global Engagement on Friday, April 13. 

One hundred twenty-one undergraduate students and 284 graduate students completed degree programs at FSU during 2017-2018. In addition, 15 Special Academic Program students and 56 incoming Global Exchange students from over 25 international partner universities in 12 countries also completed their programs during this year. 

Obioma Calvin Umeozor from Nigeria is completing his master’s degree program in creative writing this spring, and he will pursue his PhD in creative writing and literature beginning this fall at the University of Houston.

“Three years ago, Florida State University took a timid boy from Nigeria who loved words, and opened his eyes to the world, and gave him the impetus to write his truth,” Umeozor said. “This place is forever a part of me now.”

Oumayma and Haseeb, from Tunisia and Pakistan respectively, are also completing their Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (also known as the Global UGRAD Program), a U.S. government program administered by IREX. UGRAD increases the diversity of our undergraduate international student population by sending students from under-represented countries. Students in the program take classes as non-degree seeking students full time and participate in community service, cultural enrichment, and professional development activities.

In addition, 19 students participated in FSU’s Global Ambassadors Program this year, which gives international students, faculty, and scholars the opportunity to be cultural ambassadors of their countries. Global Ambassadors engage in speaking opportunities throughout Tallahassee and present to community organizations, K-12 students, and FSU students.

View more photos from the graduation reception on our Facebook page here.

Photo from left: Nivia Escobar Salazar and Obioma Calvin Umeozor enjoy the graduation reception in The Globe Auditorium.