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The Globe Newsletter Spring 2022

In this Spring 2022 issue of the Globe Newsletter, we hope to encourage and give light to all international students all over the world to continue sharing their culture and achievements. Lewis University is very delighted to welcome 1000+ international students from all over the world.

“You can perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to your care.” - St. John Baptist de La Salle

A message from the Director of International Students and Global Scholars Services

This academic year, International Affairs established some new programming as well as welcomed the return of our Study Abroad program in Rome (see contribution from Dr. Cremin). International Admissions in partnership with my office saw the largest group of international students in the university’s history come to campus!

The Offices of International Students and Global Scholars Services and Admissions continue to develop partnerships across departments and colleges (see article on several Welcome Receptions), as we continue providing quality services while learning how to be the best Lasallians we can be for and with our students.

Deacon Michael Fekete with Lewis University's international students at The Art Institute of Chicago

As a community we honored our friend and supporter of international students Br. Leo Jones with the dedication of the Br. Leo Circle at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. As always we are proud to provide featured articles on current students as well as new additions to the international team.

On campus we were able to bring back the highly successful International Tea Room discussions in partnership with Foreign Languages. Off-campus, we hosted events in Chicago and the surrounding areas with support and leadership from the International Students Association. At the printing of this issue, I am excited to share with you the creation of the first Lewis University Cricket Club (many thanks to Mrs. Jill Sigfried and Archie de la Cruz, President of the International Student Association for their work behind the scenes). The club is working on a schedule of matches with other clubs and universities. Finally we have the approval of a new Indian Club which will be housed within the Office of Multicultural Student Services. This group will formally begin in the Fall 2022.

Lastly I wanted to offer a sincere thanks to Ms. Carol Lavin Bernick and CC’s Wish List for their recent gift to our students. Over the 15+ years as Director, we have offered a “Welcome Kit” for newly arriving international students living on campus. These kits include all necessary bedding, pillow, towels and a blanket. In association with Mrs. Margaret Martinez in the Office of Mission & Ministry and Ms. Dennisa Walker with Alumni Engagement, University Advancement this new partnership will go a long way in creating a sense of place and welcome students into the Lewis Family!

Contents

  • Brother Leo Circle
  • Studying Abroad: Culture and Those Little Differences
  • Lewis University's Day of Giving Celebration
  • CC’s Wishlist - Carol Lavin Bernick
  • Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Orientations
  • Lewis’ Mwanga Signs to Play Professionally With Olympias Lympion
  • From A Student Researcher To A Full-time Chemist
  • Home Away From Home
  • Learn The Secret of Balancing Activities
  • Welcome Reception For International Students
  • Helpful Resources For International Students
  • International Tea Room
  • Becoming A Growing Professional
  • International Student Association (ISA)
  • Know More About Cricket and Indian Students Club
  • Welcome to the ISGSS Team!
  • Meet Our Staff

Brother Leo Circle

By Office of Mission and Identity. Photos by Br. Peter Hannon, FSC

The Brother Leo Jones, FSC Endowment or “Brother Leo Fund” honors the memory and vocation of this generous man, who was known for his joyous spirit, love of students, and for his commitment to extending hospitality to all. Brother Leo died on December 1, 2020.

Brother Leo was a beloved member of the Lewis Community for 12 years and was particularly well known among international students, who he often befriended upon their arrival to Lewis and accompanied during their matriculation, proudly present with them at Commencement as they celebrated their achievements.

"While we were hundreds and thousands of miles away from our families, Br. Leo went out of his way to help and support us just as our families would, like celebrating our special occasions, connecting us with others, arranging for our medical and travel needs, supporting us when we are sick, cheering us up during exams and stressful times, and so much more that I could mention" - Iyad Rock - Palestine, College of Business Faculty, Lewis University International Student Alumni Class of 2015.

The University formally designates the circular, brick-paver plaza in front of North Hall Student Residence “Brother Leo Circle” in honor of Brother Leo. Site of the University’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which Brother Leo coordinated, this space had special meaning for Brother Leo. It represented all that was important to him – bringing people together in a spirit of joyous celebration during the holidays to sing, pray, and enjoy each other’s company while sharing snacks and treats. The formal dedication took place last November 29, 2021.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting around the Brother Leo Circle with special participation of Lewis University's international students.

Studying Abroad: Culture and Those Little Differences

By Dr. Dennis H. Cremin - Chair, Professor, & Director of History Center.

Eating gelato, seeing the Colosseum, and finding the best pizza you’ve ever had. These are the things that people often talk about when they first arrive in Italy. But after a couple of weeks, students studying at the Lasallian University Center for Education (LUCE) in Rome from Lewis University were noticing and talking about cultural differences.

“I quickly learned that If you want a good dinner, then you have to eat later. The better Roman restaurant won’t open until 7:00 in the evening,” said Halyley Weston, New Lenox, Ill., Marketing major. “Also, it is incredible, they set their cafes right in the middle of history, which means you can slow down and have a snack right in the ancient monuments.”

“I enjoy the food and the extra time that Italians seem to take to appreciate things. I’m learning to slow down a bit,” added Ethan Justice, a Cyber Security major from Romeoville, Ill. He added, “but I was surprised the first time I was charged for bread and for sitting down at a restaurant.” As Yuval Harari wrote in his book Sapiens, “[E]very culture has its typical beliefs, norms and values, but these are in constant flux.”

As Ethan Justice noted, being in a new country is exciting, but some of the cultural differences can be jarring. “How is it that washing machines are common, but people still hang their clothes out to dry.” He added in exasperation, “it is as if dryers do not exist.” Adeline Tassone, from Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, was quick to note the lack of dryers as well. She added, “at home, I always make eye contact with people on the street, but in Italy, people usually only make eye contact during a conversation. I’ve also noticed that the Italians tend to show greater affection in public than we do.”

“Here in Italy, there is no such thing as standing in line. You can be waiting to order a coffee or to get on the Metra train, and people will walk right up in front of you,” emphasized Priscilla Najera, Plainfield, Ill., Forensic Criminal Investigation major. “I also find that people jumping the lines is common, but even with small and some large difference between Italy and the United States, there are enough similarities to allow for an easy and smooth transition,” concluded Nicholas Formella, Lockport, Ill., Cyber Security major.

Studying abroad has classroom and experiential learning at its core, but, as anyone who has traveled abroad can tell you, sometimes it is the little cultural differences that stick with you.

Read more about Dr. Dennis Cremin's blogs for the Spring in Rome 2022 and Lasallian Center for Education (LUCE) using this link. For more information about Study Abroad and to apply, visit the Lewis University Study Abroad website or contact Chris Swanson, Director of Study Abroad (Email: swansoch@lewisu.edu).

Lewis University's Day of Giving Celebration

Whether it is a few weeks or an entire academic year, Lewis University study abroad programs provide a transformational journey for our students. With YOUR support, we can continue to offer these life-altering experiences that allow our students to explore their passions and live out the Lasallian mission. Your gift will create a world of difference and make trips more affordable for our students.

Make a gift for Study Abroad by clicking this link!

An on-campus celebration will be hosted on Friday, April 8, 2022 all day in the Brother James Gaffney, FSC Student Center at our Romeoville Campus. Participate today by scanning the QR code and choosing a cause below to support!

CC’s Wishlist - Carol Lavin Bernick

CC's Wish List is a unique program that leverages decades of experience in corporate buying to purchase brand-new, quality items at incredibly low prices that are then DONATED to nonprofit organizations with no strings attached. Due to the quantities purchased at unbelievably low costs (far below wholesale prices), CC's Wish List is able to stretch its dollars for greater philanthropic impact in Illinois and Florida.

International students with the Welcome Kit donations from Carol Lavin Bernick of CC's Wish List

International Students Orientation Program (ISOP)

This Academic Year 2021 - 2022, the Office International Students and Global Scholars Services together with the Office of International Admissions welcomed over 1,000 new international students from all over the world. Ten orientations, both in-person and virtual, are set up per academic year to welcome international students and discuss important information specific to their immigration requirements, health insurance, academics, and opportunities in working in the United States.

Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 International Students Orientation Program at Lewis University Flight Deck

This orientation also serves as an opportunity for international students to get to know each other, as well as meet different program directors and know more about the services each department at Lewis University offers.

Lewis’ Mwanga Signs to Play Professionally With Olympias Lympion

By Luke Rinne, Director of Athletic Communications. Photo by Mark Black.

Lewis University's Jimmy Mwanga (Dublin, Ireland/CBS Lucan) recently signed a contract to play professionally with Olympias Lympion, a Cyprus Football Club, based in Lympia, Cyprus. The club finished second last season in the third division and was promoted to second division for this season.

Mwanga led the Flyers in scoring this past fall with 21 points tallying seven goals and seven assists. He was tied for the team lead with Domenic Baumann (Bergheim, Germany/Brauweiler) in goals scored and led the squad in assists. Mwanga finished the season tied for second in the GLVC in points scored, fourth in assists and tied for sixth in goals scored.

He recorded at least one point in 12 games this past season including a season-high four points in the 3-0 win at Missouri S&T in the regular season finale on Oct. 31. Mwanga scored a pair of goals in the NCAA Tournament recording the game-winner against Davenport in the first round and scored the first goal in the second-round contest at Lake Erie.

He was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region First Team, the D2CCA All-Midwest Region Second Team and was named First Team All-GLVC. Lewis finished the 2021 season with a record of 12-5-3, 9-3-2 GLVC and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.

From A Student Researcher To A Full-time Chemist

By Mahnaz Gohari - Iran, Master of Science in Chemistry. Class of 2022.

Hi everyone, my name is Mahnaz and I came to Lewis University in Spring 2021 as a transfer student from Mississippi State University. I am currently studying for my Master of Science in Chemistry, and I am about to defend my thesis soon and graduate with GPA of 4.00 by the end of this semester, Spring 2022.

My thesis title is: “Heterogeneous Catalysis With Industrial and Pharmaceutical Applications” and I have published some of my research as a poster in ACS Fall 2021 seminar. Also, during my studies, I have been a research and teaching assistant and completed my bachelor’s in Chemistry in my home country of Iran. When someone asked me why I chose the US for studying abroad, I would say because of experiencing new life and immersing in diverse culture.

I wanted to make many foreign friends and learn traditional English. Furthermore, the US universities are renowned for their academic excellence.

"Studying in Lewis University has also provided me with so many opportunities and I could challenge myself and get involved more in fascinating research projects."

Also, I would like to show my gratitude to my professors as followed: Dr. Daniel Kissel, Dr. Jason Keleher and Dr. John Parker who helped and supported me in different steps during my studies in Lewis University.

A fun fact about me is that I love to travel and enjoy getting to see new places and what they have to offer. Some of the places I have visited since being in the US, is New Orleans, Memphis, Atlanta, LA, San Diego, Las Vegas, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, and Milwaukee to name a few. In rest of my spare time, I play tennis with my lab mates in Lewis’ tennis court. My plans after I graduate is working as a chemist in the industry and it excites me to see what good I can do through my work and bring better world to everyone around the world.

Home Away From Home

By Archie Mari Dela Cruz - Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Class of 2022.

Not once did I ever consider that I will set foot in the US soil. But God has His mysterious ways. As a Lasallian fellow in the Philippines, I was offered the Exchange Student Program between my former home school, De La Salle University Philippines and Lewis University. This is an opportunity for students like me to experience a foreign student life for a semester before I go back to my life and finish my schooling in the Philippines.

The program was back in Spring 2020, which unfortunately is when the pandemic took its toll. All my luggage is packed when the travel ban in the world was implemented. I was lost and alone, that summer was not the best, but it was not the worst either because I met international friends over music and bonfires that was also stuck on-campus that summer. I was gratefully awarded with Lasallian Scholarship and Academic Award that aided my expenses studying here in the US.

I started as a student worker with Sodexo, the on-campus dining provider as a Marketing Intern, this let me build and create relationships between the 6,000 of students at Lewis University, as well as improved my knowledge of the American culture and conversing in colloquial English.

Marketing Intern for Sodexo

I also made friends and had the chance to meet different people from all over the world by working at the International Students Office, organizing events to take newly arrived foreign students to see what the cities has to offer such as going to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, riding the Wendella across the canals of Chicago and enjoying the trampoline park of SkyZone. I also joined the Student Senate, which allowed me to meet students leaders that developed my leadership skills as well. I also joined the Peer Ministry to help foster the spiritual, emotional, and social growth of resident students.

"For international students out there, take the initiative to assure that you seek personal, cultural, and academic advisement and make sure to maintain your lawful status so that you may have an enriching and successful experience here in Lewis University!"
International Students Association events lead by Archie Mari Dela Cruz

Learn The Secret of Balancing Activities

By Brother Sheferaw Mekonen - Ethiopia, Doctoral in Educational Leadership. Class of 2025.

Hello everyone, I am Brother Sheferaw Mekonen. I was born in Ethiopia. I went to college and acquired my first degree in English language teaching and Christian Religious Education. While I was working in one of the Brothers’ schools in Ethiopia as the teacher and principal, I acquired my two master’s degrees in ESL and Leadership and Management. The need for personal and professional development increased and so I sought to study more. Fortunately, Lewis University accepted my request to study Educational Leadership in its doctoral program.

The journey to Lewis has been very smooth, thanks to the Brothers in Midwest District and their leadership team, the university administration, and, of course, the great people in the International Student office on campus. It was not that especially easy to get through the admission and immigration process in the midst of the pandemic. Thanks to all I made it through.

Lewis feels like my second home, a home away from home. I have had no major challenges since my arrival.

"It is a very diverse community built on the core values of the Lasallian charism. Every day, I learn so many new realities of life as I move around the campus."

The dedication of the staff to help and accommodate my requests have been terrific. I would like to thank all the people in the IT department and in various LRC offices for their cooperation and tremendous help. I have great admiration and respect for their knowledge and for the expertise of my professors.

Lewis’s athletic features are so amazing. I admire all the young people who have been involved in sports activities besides their academic endeavors. I was a soccer player for my college and I am a living witness to how sports activities rejuvenate and re-energize your whole self. If age were not a restriction, I would love to join the Lewis soccer team and get the ball rolling on that beautiful football pitch.

One of the most important elements in academic life is striking a balance in all our undertakings. I am blessed to be able to manage my time well. I am so grateful to God for my prayer life, internship activities, my reading time, and class hours both zoom classes and face-to-face. My community life with the Brothers has been well programmed and balanced. It has been a great lesson to learn the secret of balancing activities.

I believe education is very important and the only solution to tomorrow’s challenges. Lewis has assisted me with the chance to become better equipped for such challenges. I am convinced the best preparation that I am going through will make me a better Brother in working for a better world

Welcome Reception for International Students

With the increasing number of international students here at Lewis University, the College of Business and College of Aviation, Science, and Technology put all the efforts in hosting a welcome reception for our students to get to their peers and program directors, get the chance to be involved at Lewis' clubs and organizations, know more about on and off campus job opportunities.

Dr. David Livingston, Lewis University President together with international students during the CoAST Welcome Reception - November 3, 2021
International students with the faculty and staff of College of Business & Graduate School of Management - November 11, 2021.

Helpful Resources for International Students

The Office of International Students and Global Scholars Services (ISGSS) welcomes over 800+ new international students for Academic Year 2021 - 2022.

To offer resources for our students, we are currently in the process of making recorded webinars that are sustainable over many years, scaled to all international students from 63+ countries all over the world.

We are continuously improving our orientation model online and in person. We are now offering recorded virtual orientations that discuss nuanced components of orientation. Click here to view our recorded webinars!

International Tea Room

International Tea Room is an event being overseen by Dr. Serafima Gettys, Associate Professor and Coordinator for Foreign Language Department, where international students present about their home country. The goal is to provide opportunities for cultural interaction between local students and the international community. The program helps foster socialization into the campus life, and educating local students about different cultures all over the world.

International Tea Room Posters

Becoming A Growing Professional

By Jay Ann Chan, MBA - Philippines. Class of 2021.

Pursuing my Masters is one thing, but finishing it on the other side of the world is a whole other thing. My name is Jay, and I am an international student born and raised in the Philippines. I started my Master’s degree at Lewis University back in 2019. I worked as a graduate student employee and became the graduate assistant of the International Students and Global Scholars Services (ISGSS) at Lewis University.

I finished my Master’s degree in Business Administration last December 2021. The school has given me the opportunity to continue my passion and mission in helping my fellow international students succeed in their goals. I am now a full-time coordinator for the Office of International Students and Global Scholar Services.

I work closely with Deacon Michael Fekete, the director and Designated School Official of ISGSS. Many thanks to him for being one of the best mentors any one could ever ask for!

We provide services and advocacy for international students, offer assistance with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the INS) procedures, particularly for visa status maintenance. As a coordinator of the office, I provide counseling to international students on cultural issues, advising on F-1 program, financial aids, employments, academic, and personal issues. I also oversee and moderate the programming being done by the International Student Association (ISA). ISA seeks to foster an awareness of other cultures at the Lewis University campus, promote friendships between international and domestic students.

Working as the editor of the annual publication of the Globe Newsletter is always very exciting. I'm always so thrilled learning more about the achievements of my fellow international students. I could not be more proud being one! This would not have been possible without the help and guidance of many organizations and people mentioned in the newsletter, so feel free to scan along the newsletter and share with your family and friends.

Working with Lewis University alongside international students and my colleagues has been nothing but a breeze. The Lewis community has been my second family, away from home, since I left the Philippines.

"The best part of being an international student is getting the chance to know, interact, and learn glimpse of the culture of students from different parts of the world."

Saying it is hard being an international student is an understatement. I’ve had amazing and wonderful mentors alongside my journey being an international student and a growing professional. This is one of the main reasons why I always do my best guiding these new and continuing international students at Lewis.

Photo credits: Lewis University Marketing & Communications

International Students Association (ISA) Activities

The International Students Association (ISA) seeks to foster an awareness of other cultures at the Lewis University campus, promote friendships between international students, as well as with American students, and provide support and appreciation for the international student community at Lewis University. It accomplishes this by providing special programs and opportunities for social interaction and constructive culture exchange. All programs and activities are non-political in nature. Below are some of the on and off-campus activities by ISA for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022.

Summer BBQ and pool party hosted by Michael Fekete, Director of International Students and Global Scholars Services - July 2021
Meet and greet with our growing Indian student population - December 2021
Visit to Shedd Aquarium - February 18, 2022
Wendella Boat Tour in Chicago - March 8, 2022
Sky Zone Trampoline Event at Joliet, IL - March 18, 2022
Art Institute of Chicago Visit - March 25, 2022

Know More About Cricket and Indian Students Club

Cricket involves two teams with 11 players on each side. The captain who wins the toss decides whether his team bats or bowls first. If they bat first, their aim is to score a lot of runs and make sure the other team does not reach that score.

(Reference: Wood, R. J. (2010). Complete Guide to Fitness Testing. Topendsports.com. Retrieved 7 March 2016, from https://www.topendsports.com/testing/)

The Cricket Club at Lewis University has been made official last March 15, 2022, special thanks to Ms. Jill Siegfried, Lewis University Director of Student Recreation, Fitness and Wellness for almost 26 years! With the growing population of international students from India, this sports club will serve as a channel to form camaraderie among students as well as build physical fitness while studying in the United States.

The organization is also actively forming the Indian Students Club in Lewis University, while the works are in motion. Students are preparing for practices that will start by the end of April 2022, which will hopefully lead to competitive opportunities for international students.

Welcome to the International Students & Global Scholars Services Team!

Hi everyone! My name is Afafe Karimallah, and I am originally from Casablanca, Morocco. I decided to study abroad after finishing high school in my hometown and studying in the US was a dream coming true. I joined Lewis University for my undergraduate studies as a Physics and Aerospace Engineering major then had the opportunity to do my graduate studies in Business Analytics.

At first, I had the chance to work at the International Admissions Office and assist students before coming to the US with their applications and paperwork. As a graduate assistant at the International Students and Global Scholars Services, I am currently working with students after they arrive at Lewis University. As an international student myself, I can assist these students and help them with their questions and concerns as I went through the same experience.

At Lewis University, I am able to meet students and faculty members from different countries and backgrounds, get introduced to the American college experience and travel from one state to another with friends. I am always open to meeting new people and exchanging thoughts and cultural experiences and I can’t wait to be part of more adventures on personal, academic, and professional levels thanks to all the research programs and cultural events provided to us on and off-campus.

Hello! My name is Indira Sundaraneedi, and I’m from India. I’m here at Lewis to pursue my Master’s in Business Analytics and this is my second semester here. I’m a graduate student staff at the International Students and Global Scholars Services which aims at helping International students with their queries and concerns post their arrival at Lewis University.

Working here is an amazing experience, fun with meeting fellow international students, and getting to know them more and assisting them over their concerns. I’m really looking forward to all of it.

Hello! My name is Sai Uday Vajrapu, and I'm from Hyderabad, India. Studying abroad is a dream come true for many people, so is for me, and the United States always fills in. I joined Lewis University for my master’s degree in Data Science with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence. I work as a graduate student employee with International Student Global Scholars Services. Meeting new people from all over the world is one of the best parts of being a member of these services.

In college, when I got my first motorcycle, I realized how much I loved the adrenaline rush of going fast. It's true, I'm a bike geek. To describe myself, I'd have to include the fact that I enjoy riding a bike. On my first motorcycle, I rode nearly the full length of India. I enjoy being a part of the best moments of my life when I'm behind the wheel. "The only impossible trip is the one you never begin," I've always held. New experiences are what I'm looking forward to. I'd like to ride more across the United States and explore the country from a different perspective. I can't forget to mention how much I enjoy sports.

My name is Yang Chen and I was born and raised in the People’s Republic of China. I am 99.9% Chinese (East Asian) and Indigenous American, I am majoring in Aviation Flight Management here at Lewis University.

I am a wrestler, boxer, and Muay Thai fighter. I have learned patience, calmness, and how to protect myself from these competitive sports. I think that if a person needs to enjoy the fruits of success, he must be destroyed mentally, physically, and psychologically.

In addition, I am honored to be able to join the big family of the International Students and Global Scholars Services Office, which allows me to experience and listen to the cultures of different countries. I am also happy to help those who come to the United States for education for the first time. Stay hard and stay strong!

The Staff

  • Michael Fekete - Director of International Students and Global Scholar Services
  • Jay Ann Chan, Philippines - Coordinator (ISGSS), Editor - The Globe Newsletter
  • Afafe Karimallah, Morocco - Graduate Assistant
  • Indira Sundaraneedi, India - Graduate Student Staff
  • Sai Uday Vajrapu, India - Graduate Student Staff
  • Archie Mari Dela Cruz, Philippines - Undergraduate Student Staff, ISA president
  • Yang Chen, China - Undergraduate Student Staff

Contact Us:

Would you like to be featured in The Globe Newsletter? Do you have any suggestions or questions? Feel free to contact Jay Ann Chan at jchan2@lewisu.edu for more information.

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