Wednesday night was much more than a celebration of international students at Minnesota State University.
Just ask first-year Dean of Global Education William Coghill-Behrends.
“We’re celebrating a lot more than our international students,” he began, with deep emotion and applause for the commitment to “peace, justice, building communities of care and support of (our) differences.”
“We are better because of one another … And tonight, let’s celebrate that we are all free.”
In attendance was 20-year-old Mohammed Hoque, recently released from Freeborn County Jail after being detained March 28 by ICE agents.
Provost David Hood noted that many international students from East Africa moved away from economic hardships. And while many might have been nervous coming to a United States educational system, it’s become important for both them and this region.
“Slowly, we build community,” Hood said. “And today, we are celebrating you. Where we’re headed, we’re moving forward. Friends, you have to take heart and courage.”
The ceremony, held annually prior to the full MSU commencement over the weekend, included achievements of students through MSU’s center for global engagement, as well as study abroad and exchange students.
Van Thien Phu Nguyen’s path in life is similar to what faces many of today’s international students. Originally from Vietnam and then from Sweden, he’s traveled the world.
“We’re the next generation, and we’re the future,” he said. “And collaboration is the key to success.”
“Being a scholar means never stopping to learn, and never stop being amazed,” added fellow exchange student Simon Isaac of Venezuela.
Jacy Fry, director of the Kearney International Center, closed the ceremony prior to a social hour for attendees.
“You made this campus your home,” Fry said. “You are global citizens. You are leaders. You are trailblazers.Wear that stole with pride. The world is waiting.”
Some walked across the Centennial Student Union ballroom and thanked family overseas, some in attendance, some with relatives now living in Mankato. And some said hi to those watching in Cambodia and Columbia.
MSU students offer praise
Dana Melius
Eyob Gezahegne served as the Ethiopian Student Association president at MSU.
Eyob Gezahegne has served as the Ethiopian Student Association president at MSU. With over 300 Ethiopian students, it’s the largest international group on campus.
“MSU’s really known for having a lot of Ethiopian students,” he adds.
A manufacturing, engineering and technology student, Gezahegne first spent a year and a half at Bethany Lutheran College. His sister, Sololiya, also attends Bethany. But the expanded MSU classes drew Gezahegne into a three-year program and now, after graduation, into an internship with the Cummins Power-Gen company in Fridley.
With an interest in design, robotics and production improvement concepts, Gezahegne looks forward to a quick May 19 start there.
“There’s a whole lot going on right now,” he said in a finals week and graduation weekend understatement.
But a quick move into Minnesota’s major urban region, it’s far from intimidating for Gezahegne. He and his family resided in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, the country’s political, economic and cultural center with a population of over 6 million.
Dana Melius
Eilika Lane of Jamaica participated in track and field while pursuing a master’s degree in communications at MSU.
Eilika Lane, 24, from Jamaica, earned a master’s degree in communication studies and participated in Mavericks track and field. With an interest in sports management, Lane is ready to move on. Anywhere.
“I’ve been going to school since I was 2, and I’ve been accepted into a Ph.D. program, but I’m thinking I need a break,” Lane says. “I’m thinking I have to go into the working world.”
While Lane has deep interests in both communications and sports management, her love of research also guides her. And sports at MSU provided both teammates’ support and filled her competitive spirit.
“I’m really open right now,” she adds. “I just need experience. Anywhere the opportunity comes, that’s where I’ll go.”
But that doesn’t mean she’d necessarily step away from the Greater Mankato region. Lane said she has truly enjoyed her time at MSU. After a sports management undergraduate degree from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, Lane was first drawn to MSU to continue her athletic career.
“I chose it mainly because of track and field,” she said. “They treat you right. And it was the only place where I could also do a communications major.”
Later, Lane became immersed in the diversity of the communications program. She particularly enjoyed a crisis management assignment with Open Door Health Center of Mankato.
Arriving in the U.S. in 2019 as an international student, Lane is awaiting formal “work authorization” status, she says. While she was hoping for her Jamaican father to be present at Wednesday evening’s “Global Stole & Certificate Ceremony,” his health keeps him in New York for now.
Lane’s sisters have also enjoyed moving on from the rigors of a Jamaican education, which she notes was harder than her U.S. studies. One sister resides in England, another in Philadelphia, a third sister still in Jamaica, along with three brothers.
“They are very, very proud of me,” Lane says.