Valpo Announces Strategic Partnership with Lumenus USA
Continuing a commitment to educating global citizens who are prepared to lead and serve in church and society, Valparaiso University has partnered with Lumenus USA in the creation of The Lumenus USA Center for Global Leadership at Valparaiso University.
Enrolling nearly 4,000 students representing most states and more than 50 countries, Valparaiso University strives to create an interconnected global community that prepares students for successful careers in a global economy. The development of The Lumenus USA Center for Global Leadership at Valparaiso University serves as a crucial component to Valpo’s vision that it will be acclaimed for the vitality of its international programs, which empower both domestic and international students to lead and thrive in a global community. The mission of the Center is to provide international high-school graduates with a comprehensive transition program to prepare them for success in universities in the United States.
“We see this partnership as a natural evolution of Valparaiso University’s long-term commitment to creating a truly international campus,” said Michael Joseph, Vice President for Enrollment Management. “From our partnership with the Confucius Institute, to our relationship with Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, to our recent recognition as one of the 10 most innovative colleges in foreign-language studies, we are committed to an environment that not only supports but celebrates the value of global citizenship.”
The Center puts a premium on the safety of its students by providing onsite security, student oversight, Dormitory “Moms” and structured extra-curricular activities.
Specifically, the 9-month program provides the following areas of instruction:
• Intensive English Courses (an accredited program taught by Valparaiso University instructors)
• Intercultural Competence
• Academic and Life Skills Strategies
• Professional Skills
In addition, Lumenus USA will bring in executives from multi-national corporations to meet with students, network and provide career insights.
“Lumenus USA is focused on preparing international students to not just survive but to thrive in their college experience and providing a firm foundation for their professional careers. Our graduates will be armed with the knowledge, skills and attributes to achieve their personal and professional goals and aspirations,” said Erik Froelich, Lumenus USA Chief Executive Officer.
The innovative program provides structured classroom instruction along with a team of staff mentors to work with students in and out of the classroom, helping them to navigate the significant cultural and social changes associated with coming to study in the United States. Field trips, study halls, community-service projects and campus activities augment the scholars’ experience to provide for their full development and preparation to succeed.
Lumenus USA founder and board director, Jon Costas, who is also the mayor of Valparaiso, Ind. added, “Valparaiso is a wonderful place for international students to study and learn. Our city celebrates the growing international impact of Valparaiso University and has many ways to make students not only feel welcome but to become engaged members of our community. We are a safe and vibrant city that enjoys close proximity to a world-class city like Chicago. We welcome these bright, young scholars to our community with open arms and promise their families that we will treat them as our own.”
Please visit lumenus.cn.com to learn more about this exciting program and partnership.
