Office of International Programs Announces Ten 2023-2024 Mendoza Global Student Ambassadors

The Office of International Programs (OIP) recently announced a new class of Mendoza Global Ambassadors who will represent Seton Hall University in their home countries.

The Mendoza Global Ambassador Program is a unique program aimed at increasing Seton Hall University's global footprint visibility abroad through a network of international student ambassadors. The Mendoza family has awarded scholarships to 31 international students as Mendoza Global Student Ambassadors since the Fall of 2020.

Juan Mendoza, founder and contributor of the Mendoza Scholarship, is a proud father of four daughters who attended Big East schools: Villanova, Georgetown and Seton Hall. "We are from Venezuela, and I thought it would be phenomenal for other people like ourselves to find out that the Mendoza Global Ambassador Program is a fantastic option for their kids to get educated and grow. That’s how I became involved, and that is how the Mendoza Fund was created. Recipients have taken advantage of that opportunity and reaching out to help the school achieve its full potential."

Ambassadors will inform their local communities back home about the opportunities available at Seton Hall University by carrying out activities in their home country over break periods. They will also work closely with the Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Office through participating in prospective student recruitment webinars and events. Students attend workshops and training sessions in preparation for presenting at international recruitment events and are building skillsets in communication, cross-cultural understanding, and event planning.

With the help of the Mendoza Scholarship, ten international Seton Hall students will connect with high school and college students as well as industry professionals in their local communities and countries to introduce them to the many academic opportunities available at the university. This fall is the first time we have recruited graduated students, including Seton Hall Law School students, to become Global Ambassadors, with the goal of impacting both graduate and undergraduate enrollment of talented international students.

"Our international students at Seton Hall enrich our campus and learning environment in so many ways, and we value the diverse cultural perspectives they bring to the community," said Mary Kate Naatus, Assistant Provost and Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies. "Our Mendoza Global Ambassadors are uniquely positioned to help build awareness of Seton Hall's excellent academic programs to a global audience."

OIP received over 40 applicants to join the ambassador program, the largest applicant pool to date. The selected ambassadors have gone through training with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and learned tips on how to recruit and introduce Seton Hall to their international community. During the training session, our ambassadors discussed why they chose Seton Hall University, and many echoed our university’s supportive community and our commitment to international student success as a key deciding factor. Many shared how they cherish the connections they made with people they met and now consider family and how Seton Hall is their 'home away from home.'

The ten students selected are Agustin Resch (Argentina), Gloria Estefania Huertas (Ecuador), Oliwia Kempinski (Poland and Germany), Phoebe Hampson (United Kingdom), Elhadj Ousmane Dansoko (Guinea), Abhishek Pathak (India), Hanan Abu Salih (Israel), Annecia Marshall (Jamaica), Jose Miguel Castaneda (Philippines) and Tijana Minic (Serbia). They are representing various global regions, four graduate programs including our LL.M. in American Law program and six undergraduate programs.

Agustin, who is on our Men’s Soccer team, shared, "What inspired me to attend Seton Hall is the reputation of the university and the high academic and personal standards of the people who attend Seton Hall University. I have also heard in my home country about Seton Hall and they only give good references. This is what inspires me to grow as a student, be a good professional when I get my degree, be able to practice it in the best way, and always leaving the university well represented."

Estefania who is currently studying LL.M in American Law program voiced her love for Seton Hall, "I am really impressed with the cultural diversity not only of the students but also of the highly professional professors. As soon as I walked into the university, I could feel there were infinite possibilities to build my career there. I am grateful to be part of the Seton Hall community."

Ousmane, a graduate student in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, has a goal after graduation to move into a position that allows him to work in an international environment such as the United Nations or the African Union. His dream job is to be a special representative of the United Nations in West Africa.

"With such talented students from a diverse background representing and promoting Seton Hall around the globe, there is no doubt that we will be able to increase our international presence and community on campus," said Katsumi Kishida, Director of International Student Services, with excitement.

Categories: Campus Life, Education, Nation and World