SRU Office of Global Engagement to host Global Graduation Ceremony

Thirty-nine Slippery Rock University students, including 21 international students and 18 study abroad students, will be represented at the SRU Office of Global Engagement’s Global Graduation Ceremony, 6 p.m., Dec. 9, via Zoom. (SRU 2019 file photo)

Dec. 7, 2020

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University's Office of Global Engagement will host its biannual Global Graduation Ceremony, 6 p.m., Dec. 9, via Zoom.

The event, which is open to the public, recognizes graduating international students and American students who have studied abroad in credit-bearing, long-term programs. Individuals wanting to attend must register on CORE prior to the event which will be limited to 300 attendees.

"This event allows us to the celebrate our international and study abroad students and congratulate all of them on the completion of a unique educational experience," said Noora Alie, SRU assistant director of international student services.

The ceremony will involve 39 students, including 21 international students and 18 study abroad students. Graduates represent 17 countries, including India, Canada, Venezuela, Nigeria, Germany, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Japan, Ethiopia, Nepal, China, Austria, Iran, New Zealand, Spain, Ireland and Hungary.

"Though it is unfortunate that our students cannot experience the ceremony in person this year, it does allow for a unique opportunity for their families who will be live streaming from all over the world to participate in the event," Alie said. "We've never done a live stream of the event before so it'll be a neat addition to have friends and family who will get to see their students honored in real time. This should make it an awesome experience for everyone involved. I'm hoping that we will be able to make everyone feel the international love in our Zoom room."

SRU President Bill Behre; Sam Heikinen, associate vice president for global engagement; and Sara Tours, assistant professor of elementary education and early childhood, will provide remarks.

SRU has more than 110 international students from more than 34 countries.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robb.king@sru.edu