Global Connections Spring 2026

OFFICE OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Spring 2026

Lunar New Year Ramadan iftar dinner IInternational nternational FOOD FOOD festival festival Spring Training Honors awards and graduates Where RU now?

Office of Global Affairs

Julie griffith

Maria Diemer

Daniel Nord

Associate Director of Global Affairs

Executive Director of Global Affairs

Assistant Director of Global Affairs

ERDENEBULGAN GERELT-OD

Wesley Pritzlaff

Remya Palakkeel Meethaleveedu

Maya Maghrabi

Graduate Assistant of Global Affairs

International Liaison & Global Reggie of Global Affairs

International Liaison of Global Affairs

International Liaison & Global Reggie of Global Affairs

February 2026

Lunar New Year at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Rockford University’s international students A Fun Mongolian Tradition: recently gathered at the beautiful Nicholas Visitors also learned about Mongolia and tried Conservatory & Gardens for our annual Lunar a traditional lamb bone game. Guests asked a New Year celebration. The garden was full of question and received a fun “fortune” based colorful decorations and a warm, friendly on how the bones landed. The bones feeling. Students and guests came together to represent four animals: sheep, horse, camel, celebrate the Lunar New Year and honor and goat. Each one has a meaning in different Asian cultures. Countries included Mongolian culture.

Vietnam, India, Mongolia, Japan, and Mexico.

Each country shared its own traditions and stories, making the night special for both international students and the Rockford community.

Musical Performances By: 1. Saruultugs Darkhansukh performed “Sanaandgui Uchral.” This was his first performance and he did a great job.

2. Goomaral Basbish performed “Shuren Buguivch.” This was her third time performing, and she was very confident.

It was a fun and meaningful evening filled with music, culture, learning, and laughter.

By: Suvd-Erdene Byamba MBA, Mongolia

March 2026

ramadan iftar dinner

Hosting the third annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner at This was followed by the Adhan, the traditional call Rockford University marked a significant milestone to prayer, marking the time for the Maghrib in my journey as President of the Arabs United Club. congregation.

This event commemorates the beginning of Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, which marks the first revelation of the Quran. For our community, fasting is more than a tradition; it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam designed to purify the heart and foster Godconsciousness.

The celebration, organized by the Arabs United Club in collaboration with the Saudi Club and the Office of Global Affairs, brought together faculty, staff, and students to experience the spiritual and physical discipline of the month. The program began with warm welcoming remarks from Dr. Lynott and myself, expressing the importance of this great celebration and the value of our gathering.

I am overflowing with gratitude for the incredible community at Rockford University that made this night so magical. Seeing everyone, from those who fasted all day to those joining us for the first time, break their fast together with dates and soup was a moment I will never forget. It was truly amazing to witness our campus transform into one big, unified family, sharing a meal and learning from one another. It was an evening full of warmth and belonging that truly captured the spirit of Ramadan.

By: Duha Al Haj Ali Pre-Medicine

April 2026

IInternational nternational food food festival festival

Tour Of The World A beloved Rockford University tradition, the 2026 International Food Festival shared the flavors and cultures of almost 30 countries! More than 500 guests experienced a journey “Around the World” guided by international students, staff, and faculty, through their home countries’ most iconic landmarks and cultural epicenters.

RU’s very own Chef David prepared and presented the International DInner, followed by the always awe-inspiring Flag Ceremony, where representatives from each nation proudly march in traditional clothing to their respective national anthems. IFF is more than a festival — it is a powerful celebration of the global spirit that defines RU.

How to Win at the International International Food Food Festival Festival

Rule 1: Don’t lose your bag.

You might think it’s optional, that all you really need from the welcome table is the passport (for stamps at each station) and the surprisingly attractive free tshirt—but the small paper bag is really where it’s at.

As you cram your smiling body into line after line for the Around the World portion of the International Food Festival, you’re handed ALL THE SWAG— stickers, bracelets, hand-made gifts, and so many treats you can’t stand it. Fill the bag. Cherish the bag.

Rule 4: Work the line.

You might think that the International Dinner upstairs starts at 4:30, but come on, be a little strategic and show up early. You want to be the first one to try the dumplings, the pancit, the chicken tagine, the salads, the ouzi (pause to google THAT to make later, too), and ALL THE SOUPS (French onion!

Kaw-Nam! Oden!). Say a prayer of thanks for Chef David and his entire team. Waddle back for seconds, thirds.

Rule 2: Drink all the drinks.

Try the coffees, teas, and iced drinks from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America. Don’t skip any. The Zobo is so good you’d better google a recipe right now and pick up some hibiscus leaves from Valli on the way home.

Rule 5: Stay for the Flag Ceremony.

Yes, you want to win the Lego sets, but even more you want to cheer, to celebrate, to remind yourself of the big picture: that this school loves the world. But “loving the world” doesn’t happen passively—it’s a thing you choose to do, to participate in, to join. If you’re worried that you ate so much that you might fall asleep, don’t worry, you won’t: 1) you drank so much tea and coffee downstairs that you’ll be wired for hours, and 2) joining this kind of celebration gives such a shot of dopamine to your brain that you’ll be on your feet in applause before you even know what you’re doing.

By: Dr. Kyle Stedman, Chair of the English Department

Rule 3: Meet all the people.

Even if you’re a professor during the week, today you’re the student, and they’re here to teach you.

Soak in the stories. Compliment the outfits. Ask the suggested questions helpfully laid out on each table, or just ask about their lives, their families, their foods.

MY first international food international food festival festival

As a student, attending the International Food Fest is always an amazing sight and experience, but actually being involved in the process of bringing so many cultures, languages, and people together was something truly beautiful.

This academic year, I took on the role of Global Reggie with the Office of Global Affairs, essentially serving as an International Liaison for new and current international students at RU. As a domestic student, building that connection wasn't always easy, but events like IFF reminded me exactly why I accepted the position.

At this year's IFF, not only did I help create an incredible event, but I also had the privilege of participating as a member and representative of the United States of America. I additionally helped mentor some new representatives of the Karen culture and people — an ethnic group I have relatively close ties to from back home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was an honor to carry the flag out alongside 20+ other nations, each carrying that same deep pride and respect for their country. I am so grateful to the OGA staff — Maria, Julie, Daniel, Suvd, and Mateo, for welcoming me into the family with open arms and allowing me to help bring this campus-wide event to life.

By: Wesley Pritzlaff International Liaison, USA

spring spr ing training in fort myers, florida

Hi, my name is Tommaso. I am a studentathlete from Italy currently pursuing an MBA in General Business Administration while playing baseball for the Rockford University team.

Last March, during spring break, my team and I had the opportunity to spend eight days in Fort Myers, Florida, participating in a tournament. It was a truly wonderful and meaningful experience in many ways.

Florida is one of the best places to play baseball: the fields are beautiful and well maintained, and the weather is simply perfect for the sport.

It’s the kind of experience I would love to have every year. It’s not just about playing many games, but also about growing as a team, strengthening bonds with teammates, and sharing moments that go beyond the field. Living together for several days: training, competing, and relaxing creates a unique sense of unity.

Playing 16 games in 8 days is definitely not easy; it requires physical energy, focus, and determination. However, baseball is my greatest passion, so I approach everything with enthusiasm and motivation. In addition, every trip is also an opportunity to explore new and fascinating places, making the experience even more complete and memorable.

By: Tommaso Franceschelli, MBA, Italy

HONORS DAY 2026

Honors day is a time where we publicly recognize the impressive intellectual accomplishments of our students, as well as faculty and community collaborators.

This year, 16 representatives of OGA, both domestic and international students and professors, received awards across numerous disciplines.

On Behalf Of

The office of global affairs and rockford university

congratulations to the following:

Award categories include The Dedrick Prize in Art

Tran Vuong Tran Vietnam

Sigma Xi Honors Inductee

Alexandre Sahel France

Outstanding MBA Students of the Year

Outstanding Marketing Student of the Year

julius eser Germany

ilann Rouville France

The Global Citizenship Award

dhara patel and Remya Palakkeel Meethaleveedu India

The Global Leadership Award

Maya Maghrabi Saudi Arabia

wesley pritzlaf USA

The Mary Ashby Cheek Global Award

dr. yoandy cabrera ortega

The Dr. Marjorie Slavens Award for Global Service

leo bautista USA arwen guzman-serwin USA

The Global Scholar Award

thamer alharthi Saudi Arabia

Frankie tilbrook Solomon Keip (not pictured)

Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society Inductee

ali albu jubarah Saudi Arabia

The Community based learning award

xinlu “lucy” li China

International graduates spring 2026

International graduates spring 2026

International graduates spring 2026

International graduates spring 2026

Global Spotlight Award spring 2026

Thomas Creuzer USA

Maya Maghrabi Saudi Arabia

Thomas “Tommy” Creuzer is a passionate Economics major at Rockford University. He is currently in his junior year and preparing to enter his senior year. Tommy’s strong interest in Economics motivates him to do his best in everything he does. His experience has helped him become more open-minded, broaden his perspective, and feel more comfortable engaging with different cultures.

He appreciates Rockford University because of its welcoming and open environment, supportive professors, and campus opportunities that help students feel connected. Through his experience, Tommy hopes to be a good global citizen and make a positive impact in an increasingly connected world.

Maya Maghrabi is an international student from Saudi Arabia and a junior Nursing major at Rockford University. She also works as a student worker in the Office of Global Affairs.

Maya enjoys helping others, solving problems, and being involved in the community. Her experience as an international student has helped her become more independent, mature, and confident. She feels Rockford University is a great fit because of its welcoming community, supportive professors, and close-knit campus. In the future, Maya hopes to use her experience to become a caring nurse and make a positive difference in her community.

WHERE RU NOW? For Alice, one of the most rewarding parts of her journey has been the confidence and independence she has gained along the way.

“The program is very challenging and requires discipline, communication skills, and adaptability,” she shared. Being selected to train alongside people from around the world has given her a strong sense of accomplishment and pride in representing such an international airline.

Alice credits her time at Rockford University for helping prepare her for success in a fastpaced global environment.

Through marketing projects and social media work, she strengthened her communication, creativity, and teamwork skills. “RU also helped me become more independent and confident in myself,” she reflected.

Looking back on her college experience, Alice fondly remembers the supportive community she found at RU.

ALICE CESARE International Alumna from Italy, Class of 2025, Dubai Cabin Crew Trainee After graduating from Rockford University with her Bachelor of Science degree in December 2025, Alice Cesare began an exciting new chapter abroad, training in Dubai to become an airline cabin crew member. Her intensive program focuses on safety procedures, customer service, teamwork, and remaining calm under pressure. Moving from Italy to pursue opportunities overseas has challenged Alice to step outside her comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally.

She especially enjoyed participating in events and creative projects with classmates and professors, as well as building friendships with students from diverse backgrounds.

Those experiences, she says, are memories she will always carry with her.

Reflecting on her journey from Italy to Rockford and now to Dubai, Alice is grateful for the opportunities and encouragement that helped shape her path. “Moving from Italy to study at RU and now starting a new chapter in Dubai has taught me resilience and adaptability,” she said. “I am excited for what the future holds and thankful for everyone at RU who supported me along the way.”

Stay connected

Rockford University International Programs ru.globalaffairs globalaffairs@rockford.edu