On 26 June 2023, Penza State University hosted the 8th meeting of the International Alumni Club, which aims at promoting international relations and serving as an instrument of public diplomacy. This year, the meeting was attended by Vice-Rector for International Affairs Gleb Sintsov, Head of the International Education Office Sergei Ivanchin, Head of the Department of Student Affairs Ekaterina Syagaylo, Chairman of the International Students Association of the Penza Region Adel Ali Omar Maqbol, as well as international alumni.

Annually, Penza State University graduates more than 250 highly qualified foreign specialists who are in demand not only in the Russian Federation, but also in other countries. Today, PSU is the leader in the Penza Region in terms of the enrolled international students, contributing both to the promotion of Russian education, science and culture, and to the positive image of Russia abroad. In 2023, 254 students from 23 countries graduated from Penza State University in 21 study fields. This year, 24 specialists from 10 countries, namely Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Indonesia, India, Tajikistan, Yemen, China, Tunisia and Sudan, were granted membership in the club.

In his welcoming address, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Gleb Sintsov congratulated the students on their successful graduation from the university and wished them creative fulfillment: “Set ambitious goals, bring them to life and remember your alma mater. We are always glad to see you!”

2023 alumni in response expressed their gratitude to the university for the student years: “At PSU, I met true friends, sympathetic and kind teachers and understanding colleagues. My journey is just beginning, but I believe that Penza State University has made a great contribution to such a bright start. I express my gratitude to all my teachers, university staff and friends. Thank you for your support and understanding. You made my studies a truly fascinating journey to knowledge!” emphasized Li Shutian, an active student from China and a graduate of the Department of Russian as a Foreign Language.

The alumni of past years joined the meeting through the Kontur.Tolk platform. In their address to the current graduates, they wished not to forget their home university and carefully keep all knowledge gained during their studies. “I am very glad that I graduated from PSU. The knowledge that I received when I studied at the Medical Institute helped me a lot when I entered the clinical residency programme at RUDN University. I just completed my residency in cardiology. Thank you, my beloved Penza State University!”, said Cynthia Astrid Betaubun, a graduate of 2020 from Indonesia.

As a result of the meeting, the participants approved a resolution that determines further steps to develop the club and to strengthen the ties between alumni and PSU, as well as possibilities of implementing joint projects to brand the Russian language and culture abroad and to increase the competitiveness of Russian universities as international research and education centres.

The alumni received the letters of gratitude from the Rector of Penza State University Aleksandr Guliakov, as well as the certificates and badges confirming membership in the International Alumni Club and commemorative postcards.

Resolution of the 8th meeting of the International Alumni Club (in Russian)