Global Connections Fall 2024 by Rockford University

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Chinese hot pot

Study Abroad

The Office of Global Affairs

Maria Diemer Executive Director of OGA and Academic Advisor

Lori Drummond English Language Institute Instructor

Julie Griffith Associate Director of OGA and Global Fellow

Maggie Kasicki Ass. Dir. of OGA, English Language Institute Lead and Business Adj Prof

Terri Anderson English Language Institute Instructor

Fall 2024 Student Workers

Suvd- Erdene

Byamba

Mongolia

MBA

Graduate Assistant

Rodrigo

Iglesias Alberdi

Spain

MBA

Spanish

Thamer Alharthi

Saudi Arabia

Junior

Nursing

Mateo Fernandez Solari

Argentina

MBA

Graduate Assistant

Homecoming

by Maria Goretti Paz Gonzalez

As a member of the university's Multicultural Club, I had the chance to participate in this year's tailgate event. For those unfamiliar, a tailgate is a gathering where people socialize around the trunks of cars and enjoy food and refreshments. In our setup, each club hosted a table or booth, creating a lively atmosphere with games and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Our Multicultural Club represented Mexican culture by offering churros topped with cinnamon and chocolate. We also set up a world map game where people could throw darts and try to guess the country they landed on; a correct guess earned a small prize to encourage participation. The event was both fun and educational, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends and learn from each other. After the tailgate, we attended the university football game, cheering on our team and hoping for a victory.

By: Patricia Rivera

I will always remember this day as a beautiful experience. Before our visit, our teachers spoke with us about who Jane Addams was and what her presence meant on this day of social service. We now know more about her history and her involvement in sociology and social services. As a group of international students, we went to the Severson Dells Nature Center on September 11th to help clean up the natural children’s park. We were given tools, gloves, and machines for drilling, polishing, and scissors for cutting branches of trees and asked to divide into groups to complete our tasks. While some students cut down garden plants, others used sanders/sand paper to polish wood cubes to make them safe for kids to play with. Several students fixed a little house with a drill to add a door while more students cut down tree branches. We took pictures doing our activities, and the teachers worked too. Together we did a great job; we cleaned out trees, cut branches, and put the trash in bags. After a job well done, we got to spend a little time relaxing in some hammocks.

Next, we went for a hiking tour of the park and learned what a natural park is. We saw a pond where frogs and other animals live. We learned which plants are dangerous for us and which are good for touch. One of them was an exploding flower. After our hike, we returned to the playground and ate sandwiches, pasta, chocolate, cookies, and chips! We had a wonderful social service day, helping clean the children’s playground in honor of Jane Addams “the mother of the social service.”

BEING AN INTERNATI NAL ATHLETE

by Mateo Fernandez Solari

“Being an international student-athlete gave me the opportunity to create unbreakable relationships, live unforgettable moments, and develop social skills while having a great experience while I was getting my degrees at Rockford University.”

From 6 a.m. practices to celebrating on the bus after a win on the road, or even those painful walks back to the dorm after a tough loss, shaped who I am forever. Being a college athlete is an experience that is hard to replicate, one that molds you in many ways that we may not fully realize until we look back. It’s not just about the skills you develop on the court or field, but about the person you become off of it. Sports teach you discipline, resilience, time management, leadership, teamwork, and respect. They instill healthy habits, a strong work ethic, and the ability to handle both success and failure with grace.

Rockford University gave me the opportunity to keep chasing my dream of playing sports at the highest level that I could while I was also pursuing my degrees. Coming from an environment in which academics and sports are not related, everything was new for me. However, I enjoyed every single part of it.

One of the greatest benefits of being a student-athlete at Rockford University was the unique bond I shared with my teammates. We lived together, studied together, and supported each other both on and off the field. The camaraderie we built wasn’t just limited to game-day victories; it was forged through shared sweat, tears, and countless hours spent in practice and training.

The opportunity to represent my country while pursuing my degree was both an honor and a privilege. I carried the pride of my home with me, knowing that I was not just competing for myself but for something bigger—my family, my country, and my heritage. The support I received from my teammates and coaches made the transition smoother, and over time, I became more than just an athlete; I became part of a global community that shared the same dreams, challenges, and aspirations.

INTERNATI NAL STUDENT-ATHLETES

Felipe Bentes Football

Lourdes Tomas Soccer Mateo Fernandez Solari Soccer

Tsubasa Namai V ll b ll

Javier Palacio r

Luigi Abe E-Sports

Neal Otgonbaatar E-Sports

Mahault Quillet Soccer

Wisconsin StateCapital

By Isidro Vega

The adventures of the ESL students took us to Madison where we could see the wonderful history and architecture of this state, Wisconsin. The ESL students traveled to Madison on November 7th to see one of the most important things in the state of Wisconsin, the State Capitol. We had a guided tour at 11am; the expectations were impressive since just by entering in to the imposing building, you could already see the history and architecture that existed between these walls. This historic building was built three times and the one we know was completed in 1917.

We visited incredible rooms in which the state goverment works and makes decisions, members. When a vote is necessary, the room buttons on each of the tables. The architecture of because they used materials from different countries. art such as colorful mosaics in the top and large

We were only able to see a small part of the building, but some of the rooms are some of the most important, such as the Supreme Court and the Senate, both imposing rooms with unique artistic and architectural details. To finish the guided tour, they had prepared the icing on the cake for us, because, what is a capitol without the city? The best views of Madison were on the roof of the building, where we were able to enjoy the wonderful view of the city and take a lot of photos. Overall, it was a fantastic day in which we go out of the routine of Rockford and we got to know another small part of the great history of this country.

City of rockford Mayor's Office

by Rémi DESCAMPS

On October 29th, 2024, the ESL classes at Rockford University went on a field trip. This meeting had presentations for 1 hour. Mayor Tom McNamara presented his job. He is the servant leader of the city of Rockford. He manages 14 deparments, including Legal, Health, Human Services, and Public Works. In Rockford, you have 3 Political Parties: Democrat (Tom McNamara), Republican, and Independent.

Tom McNamara also manages a budget of $210 million annually with the other departments; during meetings, aldermen vote to approve laws and spending. All departments manage approximately 1,100 employees in the city.

In the Legal District, directed by Nick Meyer, he has relationships with the state of Illinois to protect inhabitants and their houses, and he respects the rules of city laws. In the Human Resources Deparment, director Shurice Hunter manages and works with primary schools, high schools, colleges, and companies and administrations in a broad sense. Shurice Hunter is here to supervise the rules.

In the Public Works Department, Tim Hinkens manages electricity, water, etc. The taxes on the products that everyone can buy in supermarkets are used to renovate roads, hospitals, and buildings in the town. And this tax is fixed for 5 years. In the Health and Human Services District directed by Anquinette Parham, she is in relationships with hospitals, etc. to give everyone access to health care. This day was exciting for discovering a new culture in a city like Rockford. I appreciated the professionalism and the good mood of all the administrators during the presentation.

Celebrating Vietnam by

Phuong Tran

Vietnam Celebration Day gave me incredible pride. The feelings and work of our forefathers reinforced the history and culture of our nation. At this priceless juncture, I felt a surge of unity and connection with my heritage. I felt the outburst of celebration, the echo of traditional music, the red and yellow flags in the wind, and warm conversation, all tying me deeper to my roots and appreciation of values passed on through generations. But at the same time, I had the consciousness that I must give myself something worthwhile to do justice to the joyous purpose of this day.

To prepare, I began to work with Bella, Tran, Cherry, and Harry, a group of friends who, like me, share deep emotions for Vietnam. We were bubbling with excitement on learning that we would be celebrating Vietnam National Day. At our meeting with Maggie, we threw around ideas for this function, and we discussed everything from traditional Vietnamese cuisines to decorations and presentations.

We arranged tasks for each person to complete, ensuring everyone had a role in bringing our Vietnam National Day celebration to life. Bella and I collaborated to create a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the history, culture, and significance of Vietnam National Day. We worked on designing informative and visually appealilng slides, blending vibrant images with key facts to captivate our audience.

Cherry and Harry found a beautiful Vietnamese song to play during the event, setting the perfect tone to immerse everyone in the atmosphere. Tran contributed a heartfelt element by creating special wishes to place inside red envelopes, symbolizing good fortune and well wishes for all participants. I selected the recipes and worked hand in hand with Chef David to ensure the authenticity and wholesome flavors of dishes to be served. These included Cơm Tấm, the signature dish of broken rice with grilled pork and fish sauce; Bánh Bò, a sweet, spongy rice cake; and Čè Đậu Xanh, a refreshing mung bean dessert. With a cooperative spirit working closely as a team, we melded creativity and tradition and made certain every detail reflected the soul of Vietnam. The process was fulfilling and strengthened our bond as we poured our hearts into making the celebration unforgettable.

Chinese Hot pot

by Tianyu Sun

On September 11, 2024, we—three Chinese international students at Rockford University—were excited to bring a beloved piece of our culture to campus. With invaluable support from the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) and Multicultural Club (MCC), we prepared a traditional Chinese hot pot for our friends, classmates, and faculty. This wasn’t just about sharing food; it was about offering a glimpse into the warmth and connection that hot pot symbolizes in our culture.

The event started with us setting up steaming pots filled with rich broths and a variety of ingredients, from vegetables to sliced meats and noodles, each carefully selected to recreate an authentic experience. As the ingredients simmered, the room filled with a comforting aroma that quickly drew a crowd. Friends gathered around the tables, intrigued and excited to try each dish. For many, this was their first taste of Chinese hot pot, and their reactions—from surprise to delight—added to the joy of the experience.

We explained the cultural significance of hot pot: how it brings people together, encourages conversation, and fosters a sense of belonging. Watching everyone bond over the shared meal reminded us of home, where hot pot is often at the heart of gatherings with family and friends. The laughter, the curiosity, and the connections formed around the table made this more than just a culinary event—it became a cultural bridge, helping us share a piece of our lives with our Rockford community. We are deeply grateful to OGA and MCC for making this experience possible, and we look forward to hosting more events that celebrate and share our heritage with the diverse and welcoming community here at Rockford University.

Dominican Republic Serve & Study Abroad Trip

by Dr. Kelly Monson, Dr. Danielle Klein, and Dr. Beth Lipton

On May 14, 2024, sixteen students and three Rockford University faculty began a week-long transformational journey to serve a small rural community in the Dominican Republic. Participants were immersed in the culture of the community through service and teaching. The team who led the students on this trip included Dr. Kelly Monson, Dr. Danielle Klein, Dr. Beth Lipton, and support on campus from Julie Griffith. Monson, Klein, and Lipton guided students through a cross-cultural experience that integrated their study abroad academic experience, combined with service. Rockford University partnered with Kids Around the World, an outreach organization established in Rockford, to build a playground for a small community .

First published in the 2024 Catalyst

Theteamspenttworewardingandchallengingdaysbuildingaplaygroundandoneday teachinginapublicschoolwithinthecommunity. StudentDaniellaTorresMandujano said.“Gratefulisn’tenoughtoexpresshowitfeelstohavebeenabletobepartofbuilding a playground where children will be able to make lots of memories and be allowed to play.Ihopetoreturnandseethechildrenplaying,;theimpactit’smadeonmeisjustas bigastheimpactitwillbemakingonthechildren.”Spanishistheprimarylanguagein theDominicanRepublicandfiveoftheRockfordUniversitystudentswereexcitedtoact astranslatorsthroughoutthetrip.AsstudentNaomiCanoRodriguezshared,“Tomethe trip was astonishing. From seeing the kid’s faces light up . . . to having our final countdownasateam.BeingabletospeakSpanishwassuchanamazingpossibility. Iwas abletomakeadeeperconnectionwiththechildrenandbeabletohelpouttheteamby translating when it was needed. I was very excited to go out of the country for the first timebecauseIknewthatwewereingoodhands.”RockfordUniversityhopestopartner withKidsAroundtheWorldtocreateathirdServeandLearnopportunityinthefuture.

Cuba Study Abroad

byDr.YoandyCabrera

Our Spanish and Classics programs took a group of students to Cuba in June 2024 to visit various colonial monuments, sites, and museums in Havana, Camagüey, and Matanzas. This study abroad program is connected to the Colonial Latin American History class and the Classical Reception courses taught by Dr. Yoandy Cabrera at Rockford University. “If could describe my study abroad trip to Cuba in one word it would be eye-opening . The moments I witnessed made me change my perspective on the way I view and treat life. Going into the trip I did not expect to see such beautiful architecture, watch Réquiem por Yarini, an amazing play that gave me goosebumps, and be touched by the stories of residents in the area. Looking back at the trip I am now thankful for what I have, grateful for the education I can receive, and gratified to be able to live free” (Denise Hernandez-Ortega, RU Student, Education Pathway).

First published in the C & C Deinós Critical Journal

“I am extremely grateful to have obtained SOF funding. Because of this opportunity, I was able to participate in the Cuba Study Abroad 2024. I achieved a very beautiful and humbling experience in different environments and communities. Not only was I able to build amazing relationships with Cuban residents, but I also had the opportunity to learn and visually see the colonial period. I truly felt that my history knowledge has been fully achieved the moment I received the opportunity to see and experience many colonial cultures in person. This program helped me gain experience in the area of diverse cultures and mindsets. I gained the knowledge that we humans have very diverse lives yet in one way or another we can still relate to each other and connect life events even when we live across the world. I was also allowed to use my future teaching and interpretation skills by being flexible in learning, listening, and translating information between two different languages at the same time. I loved this trip because not only did I learn, practice, and gain skills, but I also helped those who surrounded me in any circumstance. I was also given the opportunity to practice my leadership skills by organizing and assisting Dr. Cabrera in anything that he needed extra help with. I arrived in Cuba with three amazing friends and I came back with twenty new beautiful friendships, all because of this program” (Karina Campos, RU Student, Spanish Major).

An Evening

Saudi Arabians have been celebrating Saudi National Day for 94 years. Every year, on September 23rd, we come together to honor the unification of our country on this special day. Rockford University holds an event on campus to honor our national day. One of the most essential parts of this day is the food we eat. The Saudi food at Rockford University was delicious, including rice, chicken, and stuffed grape leaves.

Our speaker, Ali Alrazqi, wore traditional Saudi clothing and talked about Saudi Arabia and its regions, helping the audience understand the country better. He shared interesting facts, like the many green cities and places that get snow. He also discussed the customs and traditions of different areas, mentioning the unique practices and dishes from the East, West, North, and South of Saudi Arabia.

My favorite part was when I entered the event hall filled with many people from different countries. The Saudis were easily recognized by their unique clothing, which made the day even better. When I entered the hall, I felt like I was in Saudi Arabia. My favorite part was a special Saudi dance, where many Saudi men came to the stage, held hands, and danced together. In the end, there was a prize segment based on luck - a raffle where lucky winners received beautiful clothes with the Saudi flag on them.

To me and everyone who attended, Saudi National Day was necessary, and I was especially happy that my family could join; there was also a special table for essential guests, and their attendance was very valuable and provided great support for celebrating Saudi National Day, In conclusion, I would like to mention some details about this important day. It is a time for us to remember our leaders and the hard work they did to unite the country. We also reflect on our achievements and hope for a bright future, on this day. We feel like one big family and show our love for our country.

by Abdullah Alharbi

in Saudi Arabia

We, the Saudi Club, are thrilled with Rockford University’s generous support in celebrating the Saudi National Day and showcasing our culture and traditions to the university and the wider community. This event is more than just a celebration—it is an opportunity to share the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia and create meaningful connections. By coming together to mark this special occasion, we not only are celebrating our identity, but also extending a warm invitation to others to experience our traditions, fostering a sense of unity and joy.

The event brings people together through activities that highlight the essence of Saudi culture. Guests, friends, and families enjoy traditional foods, lively dances, and engaging experiences that encourage participation and learning. These moments of shared celebration allow us to connect on a deeper level, finding common ground and building bridges of understanding. It isn’t just about showcasing Saudi culture; it is about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and can engage with one another in a spirit of happiness and respect.

We are especially grateful for RU’s hard work in making such events possible. The institution consistently goes above and beyond to support all students, including international students, by creating opportunities to share and celebrate their diverse backgrounds. These efforts not only enrich the campus experience, but also ensure that everyone has the resources and encouragement to succeed, both academically and socially. Events like these demonstrate RU’s dedication to fostering an environment where students feel valued, understood, and inspired to give their best. By promoting cultural exchange and inclusivity, RU proves its commitment to building a dynamic, united community. Through its unwavering support, the institution helps students learn from one another, discover shared values, and grow together as a global family. We are proud to be part of a university that recognizes the importance of these experiences and works tirelessly to create a campus where everyone thrives and contributes to a brighter, more connected future.

by Mohammed Alshehris

A Wonderful Journey

by Xu Tian

On October 4th, I went to Edwards Apple Orchard with my ESL classmates and teachers. We set out at nine in the morning by car. It was a lovely day . The view out of the window was very beautiful. All of us were very excited. Edwards Apple Orchard is a family Orchard which has a long history in the area.

Before our visit, I read information about the orchard online, and was impressed. All of the students liked the country store. It was the first place we stopped. We bought delicious food in the store, such as apple pie with cheese, apple pie with ice cream, cider donuts, and so on. We had a great time here.

Meet our Team!

After that, we visited an antique museum, which had many old vehicles and furniture.These objects gave us a glimpse into people’s lives in the 1920s. Our teacher led us in a game called “I spy……”This was my first time to play this game. I didn’t even catch on to the rules at first. Finally, I understood how to play the game. It was very interesting.

There was a farm near the museum, which had many adorable animals. The goats took leisurely walks here. If you paid 50 cents, you could feed them.

At the end of our day, we entered a maze. I have not played this game for a long time. When I was a child, I often played this game with my friends. I felt like I was a kid again. We had a great time at Edwards Apple Orchard. I hope to pick apples by hand next time.

By Joseph Sanchez

My First Halloween experience the USA

A different day began on October 31, 2024; each student played a distinct character, and the creativity of my classmates could be seen in their costumes. It was my first Halloween in the United States. It was magical and significant, because I celebrated this date many years ago as a child. Halloween is not celebrated in Ecuador, but in Colombia. My classmates explained the details of their costumes and who each character represented. Something that was rare was seeing my teachers enjoying their tradition a lot and helping us to get involved in it. We played different games, such as guessing the word with clues and working as a team. It was a fun time. We also received our first candies and we also painted pumpkins. After that, we began to receive instructions on how to ask for candy. It is essential to greet and offer thanks after receiving these candies. If the front light is on, the door will be open. This means that you can ask for candy in this home. At the university, we went through the different offices asking for candy. Then we waited until the pizza arrived so we could eat and share with our classmates. This celebration is one of the most beautiful I have experienced here in the USA because sharing with my classmates and seeing their creativity was very important to me. In the afternoon, when I was going with my children to ask for candy and seeing how happy they were at that moment, and despite it being a cold day, their joy gave me a lot of warmth.

The importance of Community Friends

by Aisha Murat

Living away from home for the first time can be challenging, especially in a new culture, but connecting with community friends offers a sense of belonging and helps us appreciate what we once took for granted.

Community Friends become like a second family, always there to offer support and trust, whether it’s inviting you into their homes, exploring new places together, or helping you with anything you need, making you feel welcome and valued, easing homesickness, and slowly filling the gap left by your family back home, so you eventually feel at home in a new country. For me, my Community Friends became a source of comfort. Their kindness helped ease the homesickness, and slowly, I began to feel less distant from my family back home. They became my new family in the U.S., making me feel at home in ways I never expected.

GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AWARD FALL 2024

Goretti made a huge impact at Rockford University since the first day that she stepped on campus. Her kindness and willingness to help others created a connection with international and domestic students from the get go.

"Being an international student at RU helped me connect with people from around the world and learn about their cultures and traditions.”

Her remarkable dedication to fostering community and inclusion was evident through her active participation in Multicultural Club, Saga and Hispanic Club as well as most (if not all) Student Life activities, where she consistently brought a global perspective and boundless enthusiasm. Maria's impact extended beyond her involvement in extracurriculars; she went above and beyond to assist fellow students in various situations, offering support and guidance with kindness and compassion. Her exceptional leadership and commitment have left a lasting impression on the campus community.

Rahaf embodies the qualities of a cross-cultural change agent. She has created spaces where individuals can appreciate and learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives.

Rahaf spent countless hours helping many students with their admission process and finding a place to live. Her active participation in numerous cross-cultural initiatives include the International Food Festival, Saudi National Day, Eid, leading Student Orientation and being an academic coach.

Her selfless contributions have made a profound impact, ensuring that students feel supported, valued, and at home in their new environment

“In RU I feel that I’m at home. The Office of Global Affairs and the Nursing department always opened their hearts and made me feel like I belonged here.”