International graduates celebrated their success during the International Student Graduation Reception May 1 in the Student Center Ballroom.

Among them was Lauren Bohn (below), of Windsor, Ontario, who says the track team is what initially brought her to WSU. But soon after arriving, she found her niche in the chemical engineering program, from which she received her bachelor's.

"I made the closest bond of friends that I could ever have in the chemical engineering department," Bohn says. "Now I just don't even want to leave."

Though she feels bittersweet about parting with the program, Bohn has career plans ahead. Constellium Automotive offered her a full-time position as a process engineer, but her aspirations are not limited to the earthly.

"One day I want to work for NASA, or an aerospace company, but we'll see when I get to that point," she says.

Graduate Ali Alsadah of Saudi Arabia just finished his bachelor's in mechanical engineering technology, having been drawn to WSU by Detroit's automotive history.

"I've always heard about Detroit ever since I was a child," Alsadah says. "I knew it was the city which most of the cars come from. You could say it was a dream, and now I'm living it."

Alsadah says he was pleasantly surprised by the faculty in the engineering department, finding that they were so caring, which in turn helped his performance in school.

"If a professor is concerned about my academic progress and my performance, this gives me motivation to work harder," Alsadah says. "The teachers here care so much about their students, and they are more than happy to address any concerns that a student may have."

He advises incoming students to stay flexible. Originally a mechanical engineering student, he switched to mechanical engineering technology after speaking with an advisor.

"At the beginning I was so hesitant to take that step, but it turned out very well for me," he says.

Ahmad Ezzedine, associate vice president for educational outreach and international programs, was once an international student himself at Wayne State and welcomed the graduates to the "club," encouraging them to keep in contact with the university.

"We're so happy to be with you when you are celebrating this milestone. We know you spent a lot of money and a lot of effort to get to this point. "This is so important to you and your families, and this is a major accomplishment.

"We are very proud of all the alumni that are all around the world," said Ezzedine. "It's great to see all the alumni that are in great prominent positions now, and we look forward to seeing you in those positions in the future. We'll see you in the next couple of days and beyond."

All international graduates are encouraged to stay connected to WSU by using the electronic directory to update WSU about new addresses, new jobs or new degrees.

The Office of International Programs leads Wayne State's global engagement by creating opportunities that foster international education and research, facilitate the exchange of individuals and ideas that promote global competencies and citizenship, and provide resources that support the expansion of the university's global agenda. Follow us @WayneOIP.