International Welcome
International students who begin study at Utah State University met for fall semester orientation Thursday, Aug. 24. A number of sessions and activities were held throughout the day, capped with an introduction to American square dancing.
Utah State University President Stan Albrecht greeted the group following breakfast.
“We are deeply honored to welcome you to campus,” Albrecht said. “The university has a long history of engagement with students from around the world. It’s great to have your group join us. You bring a great deal to our university, and I want you to feel a sense of welcome.”
The students learned they made the right choice in selecting USU.
“Utah State University is a well-kept secret,” Albrecht said. “The university is a Research 1 university — that means it is ranked with a lofty group.”
The students were encouraged to pursue work in the university’s labs and with the world-class faculty in a variety of research areas. The university’s research strengths are combined with exceptional instruction in the classroom, as well. Seven of the past 11 Carnegie Professor of the Year honorees are from Utah State University.
President Albrecht talked about his international travels this summer that took him and other university administrators to places that ranged from China to Switzerland. Collaborative research and study agreements were established in China and India.
During a trip to Switzerland, Albrecht met with the former Iranian Ambassador and USU alum Ardeshir Zahedi. During an emotional meeting, the USU graduate told the president, with tears in his eyes, that he was “born at Utah State University.”
“I hope each of you will have that experience here,” Albrecht said. “I hope you can say ‘I was born at Utah State University.’”
Following the president’s remarks, Vice Provost for International Affairs Steven Hanks welcomed the students. He welcomed the students to the safest city in the United States, referring to a recent report by Morgan Quitno Press that, based on crime figures, ranked the Logan, Utah, area as “America’s Safest Metropolitan Area.”
Hanks also gave the student four challenges.
“Make a close American friend,” he told the group. “Develop a life-long friendship that you can carry with you where ever you go. Challenge two — get to know your professors. Whether you are in a large survey course or in a small graduate seminar, introduce yourselves to your professors and take advantage of office hours. Third, get to know an American family, and finally, become involved in the International Student organization.”
Jeannie Pacheco, director of USU office of International Students and Scholars, followed with her welcome and introduced the day’s schedule.
USU President Stan Albrecht welcomed international students to USU during the International Student Fall Orientation.
President Albrecht introduced himself to students prior to the orientation.
President Albrecht told the students they chose wisely in their decision to attend Utah State University.
SHARE
TRANSLATE
Comments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page.
