In culmination of their undergraduate careers at Western New England University, six Class of 2021 graduates earned the distinction of Global Scholar, now joining an exclusive group of alumni who have participated in the Global Scholars immersion-learning program.
With opportunities offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Engineering, the Global Scholars programs provide WNE students with the opportunity to distinguish themselves by developing an understanding of another region or nation outside of the United States.
College of Arts and Sciences Global Scholars include: Allison Farney (England), a Criminal Justice major from Voorheesville, NY; Aditya Nijasure (Indonesia), a Computer Science major from Mumbai, India; and Adetayo Olatinwo (Nigeria), a Psychology major from Monroe, CT.
College of Business Global Scholars are New York state residents Jennifer Chamberland (England), an Accounting major from Clifton Park and Conner Murphy (England), a Sport Management major from Millbrook.
The College of Engineering Global Scholar is Rebecca Shust (Guatemala), a Biomedical Engineering major from Rochester, NY.
Through University coursework and international study experiences, the structure of each Global Scholars program is determined and overseen by the College in which the student is enrolled. Though the three Colleges offer different opportunities, all Global Scholars programs include the same core elements: an introductory experience or course; study abroad; and courses in international issues, area studies, or foreign languages.
Upon return to WNE, the program requires Global Scholars candidates to reflect on the core elements of their international and intercultural experience in connection with their academic, professional, and personal endeavors. Reflection projects take different forms, but many include a presentation, portfolio, reflection paper, research or policy paper, journal, creative writing piece, or other artistic product. Students who satisfy all requirements of the program receive the Global Scholar designation on their University transcript and at Commencement.
For Jennifer Chamberland '21, College of Business Global Scholar, studying abroad provided her the opportunity and experience to meet individuals from around the world and helped her get out of her comfort zone.
"The London Study Abroad Program helped me develop a global mindset, which has, in turn, helped me in the business world with connecting and networking," said Chamberland, who studied at Regents University in London, England. Participating in a six-month study abroad program, she was also able to travel to Spain, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, and Croatia.
Chamberland's experience echoes the experience of many students who have participated in immersion-learning programs. She encourages current and future students to get involved and take advantage of every opportunity available.
Maintaining the personal and educational impact the Global Scholars program made on her and her global mindset, Chamberland is now pursuing a Master's Degree in Accounting and Data Analytics from Villanova University. After concluding her graduate studies, Chamberland will begin work with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Boston, Massachusetts.
