On June 23, Penza State University hosted a roundtable discussion on “Mechanisms for Strengthening Relations between International Alumni and PSU”, which was held as part of the V meeting of the International Alumni Club. The meeting was held in an online format via ZOOM platform.

The Penza State University International Alumni Club was established by the Student Affairs Department, the Office of International Education, the Institute of International Cooperation, in 2013. It brings together young people for whom PSU has become an important step on their way to success, and aims at improving international relations and is a tool of public diplomacy.

In 2020, 280 students from 29 countries graduated from Penza State University in 26 specialties; 23 of them, students from India, Indonesia, Kenya, China, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Moldova, Nigeria, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Chad and Estonia, took part in the Club meeting.

In his welcoming speech, Gleb Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, emphasized that he was especially pleased to see the young people who graduated from the University several years ago, but did not forget their alma mater: “Excellent friendly communication has been established over seven years of the existence of the International Alumni Club, and it is especially valuable.”

2020 graduate Brahim Ali Siddik from the Republic of Chad is grateful to the university for the years spent within its walls: “I dreamed of entering a Russian university from the 9th grade and I am very glad that my dream came true. During my studies at the University, I overcame many difficulties, but gained a lot of knowledge, experience and, most importantly, friends! I want to express my gratitude to the administration of the Institute of International Cooperation for energy, trust and active work!”

Graduates of past years took part in the Club meeting. One of them is Elena Bucur (Veliksar), a 2015 graduate from Moldova, and now she is a resident of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, a Russian language teacher at an English school. “I want to thank the organizers of the conference - it is so nice to meet my old friends after so many years. My five years of study at Penza State University were unforgettable and unique! Just a couple of days ago, I recalled my student years: we took part in student springs, beauty contests, rehearsals, in a word, it was a life full of creativity! I’d give up everything now to plunge into that atmosphere again for a second! All the skills that I gained during my studies help me a lot in life now - the university shapes you as a person”, said Elena.

On results of the meeting, a resolution was approved that defines further steps in developing the Club and strengthening ties between international alumni and PSU. 23 graduates received letters of appreciation from the University Rector, certificates and badges confirming their membership in the International Alumni Club, as well as commemorative cards.