Greetings from the Pittsburg State International Programs and Services Office!
We are glad to be working back in our offices supporting current students, recruiting new students, and preparing for the next intake of international students to arrive for the upcoming Fall semester! We're thankful that Pitt State will be returning to regular operations for the upcoming semester, due to the hard work of healthcare professionals, Pittsburg community members, and the PSU administration, faculty, staff and students alike.This month, we would like to share good news from our international community, highlight some of our amazing PSU Gorillas, and share news about changes in our office.

A Return to Normalcy: University Looks to Future Beyond Pandemic

PSU already has led the way for beginning to walk out of the pandemic. Now, the university is taking another substantial step forward by rescinding the campus face mask mandate and relaxing other mitigation strategies.  

Learn more

International Community News
Friendship Family Reunited After Eight Years

Zhaolong Zhang, ‘Arthur’, and the Benson family are a perfect example of the lifelong friendships made at Pittsburg State University. The Bensons were Arthur’s Friendship Family during his time at PSU, and their connection has extended far beyond that time. Last month, eight years after Arthur left PSU and last saw the whole family, he visited the Benson family with his wife.

Read more.

 

Photo courtesy of Christel Benson.

PSU Preparing to Welcome New International Students
The Pitt State Office of International Programs and Services is looking forward to welcoming new international students arriving for the Fall 2021 semester. To welcome the students, a mandatory New Student Orientation will be held August 10-13, 2021. We have already begun preparations for the Fall Orientation in ways such as hosting pre-arrival Zoom meetings, scheduling activities, and coordinating with community groups that will provide meals. Students can look forward to a variety of activities and events that will equip them with tools for their success at PSU.
 
 "Attending important information sessions, taking care of logistics, meeting PSU staff and community members, and participating in ice-breaker games with their orientation leader mentors are just some of the things students can look forward to," said Brenda Hawkins, who plans and coordinates Orientation. "All of the events and sessions planned for orientation lead up to preparing the students for their enrollment appointment with their advisor on the final day of orientation and for success in their journey in the U.S.A. and at PSU."
 
Incoming students can prepare by reviewing the Pre-Arrival Information
 
2021 International Showcase Recap
In a night full of music and dancing, International students at Pittsburg State University had the opporutunity to share their cultures with the Pittsburg community during the International Showcase. The Showcase took place in March and featured performances by 55 students from seven different countries. The Showcase is an anual event, and can be viewed online.
 
International Alumni Spotlight
PSU Fashion Merchandising Alumna Starts Babywear Company

Romy Gonzalez, of Paraguay, graduated from Pitt State in 2007, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising. Now, almost 14 years later, Gonzalez has been able to use her knowledge and experience from her time at PSU to start her own babywear company, Newborn, which focuses on creating sustainable, simple yet beautiful baby clothes.

 

“I did know how to (own a baby clothing company) with all of the knowledge I had learned at PSU,” she said. “Following my heart was the best thing in business I've ever done and I owe a huge part of my success to PSU. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Read more.

 

Photo courtesy of Romy Gonzalez.
International Student Spotlight
PSU Student Interns for Pepsi-Cola Company of Pittsburg
Akash Verma, of India, is interning as Shop Manager and a Service Technician in the automotive department of the Pepsi-Cola Company of Pittsburg, where he works on the service vehicles used by the company. Verma is pursuing a Master of Science in Technology in Automotive Technology. Verma networked to find the interntship, but said the program's excellent reputation helped him secure the position.
 
"PSU has such a good reputation that the company knew automotive students here have been well educated and wouldn't require any other special training," he said. "PSU classes gave me the prior knowledge and skills I needed in order to succeed in my internship."
 
Photo courtesy of Akash Verma. 
Program Spotlight

Pitt State's Polymer Chemistry Program Prepares Students for Success

Pittsburg State University’s Polymer Chemistry Initiative offers qualifying students Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Polymer Chemistry. Combining elements from PSU’s Department of Chemistry, Plastics Engineering Technology program, and the Kansas Polymer Research Center, PSU's Polymer Chemistry program offers undergraduate students one of the nation's most unique and quality polymer chemistry programs.

 

Pitt State is the only university in the Midwest, and one of a few in the U.S., to offer a comprehensive undergraduate degree in Polymer Chemistry. Students will receive hands-on guidance and instruction from qualified faculty through small class sizes, averaging 15 people. Graduates from both the bachelor and master’s degree options are enabled to join the workforce as working polymer chemists in as little as four years, and enjoy a nearly 100% placement rate in career options or continuing degree programs.

Learn more.

Office Updates
The Office of International Programs and Services is excited to welcome two new members of staff to the team, and to wish a happy retirement to another. 

Welcome, Kiera Keegan!

Kiera Keegan has joined the office in the role of Accounting Specialist. Kiera received a Bachelor of Science in Technology in graphic communications in 2016, a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting in 2020, and is currently working on her Master of Professional Accountancy degree. 

Welcome, Gracie Ruble!

Gracie has joined the office as the International Recruitment and Communication Coordinator.

Gracie is a recent Pitt State graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Communication with an emphasis in Strategic Communication and a minor in Marketing.

Happy Retirement, Vickie Mense!

After 13 years of service in the Office of International Programs and Services, Vickie Mense has retired from her position as Accounting Specialist. Throughout her years at Pitt State, Vicki has left a positive impact on the lives of students, faculty, and staff alike. The office would like to congratulate Vickie on her retirement and say a huge ‘thank you' for the years of dedication to her role in the office. #OAGAG!

#BeAGorilla
Ready to attend 
Pittsburg State University?
 Gorilla International Scholarship
This scholarship awards admitted Undergraduate and Graduate international students up to $6,000/year, applied in the form of a tuition waiver. Scholarships are available for new international students (freshman, transfer and graduate) applying to PSU for the first time.
PSU Foundation International Programs and Services
The PSU Foundation International Programs and Services Fund helps support international students and furthering our mission. Funds may go toward international student scholarships or sponsoring cultural events on campus. Each gift makes an impact and will aid in creating transformational experiences for international students and community members alike. Please consider supporting the PSU Foundation International Programs and Services Fund.
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