Speeches

A Welcome to International Students (August)

Good morning. I am pleased to be here today to welcome all of you to Penn State and to help you kick off this new phase of your life at our University. We are thrilled you have chosen Penn State as the place you wish to pursue your dreams, because as an international research institution, Penn State has much to offer you in the way of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. It is my hope that you will take full advantage of these opportunities and become deeply involved in the life of this University.

Wherever you go, if you say, "I attend Penn State," you will find tremendous recognition and respect for the education you are receiving. You also are very likely to find proud Penn Staters in all parts of the world, for our University family is large and loyal. You are what makes this University community such a unique mix of people from varying backgrounds, cultures and races, and this creates a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another. Education is a powerful tool that will not only enhance your knowledge and skills, but also can greatly help the prosperity and well being of the United States and your homelands. Your presence here is about more than acquiring a degree. Your presence is helping to open the door into our global society so that all Penn State students can gain a broader understanding of the world and its many different people.

At Penn State, we value highly diversity and continue to foster opportunities to expand international and multicultural understanding. Over the years, we have taken a number of steps to move international studies and programs to the center of our teaching, research, and outreach activities in an effort to better prepare all of our students with an international perspective. Thank you all for being an active part of this endeavor.

I know that for some of you, entrance into the United States was much more challenging this year because of additional paperwork and clearances. Your persistence and patience are to be commended. It is my hope that now that you have arrived on campus, we can provide you with a nurturing, supportive environment that will make your transition to Penn State and this country easy and enjoyable. Those who work in our International Programs Office continue to work hard to keep up with regulatory changes and to streamline our own procedures to minimize the disruptions you may experience. Please know that our faculty and staff are here to help you and you should not hesitate to seek their assistance.

Despite the challenges I mentioned, our nation continues to welcome more and more international students every year. The number of international students increased in 2002 by 6.4 percent, bringing the total to a new record high of nearly 583,000 students.

At Penn State, we have been welcoming international students since 1888, and today we are ranked 16th in the nation for the number of students we attract from abroad. We firmly believe that international education is vitally important to fostering good will and building beneficial relationships with countries across the globe. You are one of about 4,000 students in our international community today and we are counting on you to help increase our awareness of international issues and expand our view of the world.

The next few weeks will be a bit hectic for you as you begin to acclimate yourselves to the campus and to the culture. Please be sure to explore the opportunities and activities this orientation program offers, such as introductions to services and to student organizations on campus. These planned events are organized to provide you with important information, helpful tips, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Other opportunities abound, and you will find that the more you seek, the more you will discover. There are many volunteer opportunities, scholarly pursuits, social situations, and leadership opportunities within the University to keep you busy and help expand your minds. All of these activities will make you more familiar with Penn State and its people, and develop what we hope will be a lifelong love of this University.

Again, it is a privilege to have you here. In educating you, Penn State will become a better university. I wish you much success in your time here and hope you truly enjoy your experience at Penn State.