School of International Affairs celebrates graduates

The School of International Affairs celebrated the graduation of a diverse cohort of international students from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the United States. Graduate Shaher Zakaria '10 found his way to Penn State after earning a political science degree in New York.

Zakaria, who plans to focus his career on public and foreign affairs and Middle Eastern issues, was pleased to connect with a capstone experience at the prestigious Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars where he conducted online database research related to the Middle East, terrorism, and national security. “I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to work at one of the top ten think tanks in the United States,” said Zakaria. “We had incredible access to some of the main lobbyist organizations, think tanks, and other international organizations, which was an experience I will never forget.”

His classmates pursued capstone experiences with the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, the U.S. Department of State, International Center from the Study of Terrorism, and Accenture.

“We are so proud of all that these graduates have accomplished and we celebrate their promise as professionals,” said School of International Affairs International Career Services director Dr. Tineke Cunning, who has helped place students in internships all over the world including the United Nations and the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Germany.

The School of International Affairs is an affiliate member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs and is home to more than sixty students. The Master's in International Affairs program allows students to focus their studies on global innovation and international technology transfer; international economics and competitiveness; global governance and leadership; or international science, technology, and environmental affairs; and to pursue joint or concurrent degrees with other Penn State graduate schools.

The ceremony was held on Saturday, December 18, at Eisenhower Auditorium on Penn State's University Park Campus.