Clark’s 2017 Global Scholars gathered for a welcoming reception and mixer on Sept. 19, hosted by President David Angel and Jocelyne Bauduy, his wife, at Harrington House.
The eleven new students, who hail from nine different countries, mixed with Global Scholars from previous classes. Many also met for the first time with their designated Clark mentors, comprising University staff and alumni who, as selected volunteers, offer general and personal guidance to the scholars. The mentors provide an informal network of support in addition to the students’ academic faculty advisers.

In his welcoming remarks, President Angel noted the official opening that same day of the United Nations General Assembly. He lauded the excellent qualifications and diverse talents the students bring to campus from around the world. “We are a stronger, better place because you are here.”
The Global Scholars Program builds on Clark’s long-standing commitment to providing a challenging education with a global focus. The program is for incoming international students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their home communities before attending Clark. They receive guidance, scholarship support, and opportunities to build on their leadership skills.
This year’s entering Global Scholars include: Ana Margarita De Ramos (Philippines); Aandishah Samara (Bangladesh); Mariela Esteva (Dominican Republic); Slesha Shrestha (Nepal); Umaid Ashraf (Pakistan); Chi Nguyen (Vietnam); Minh Vu (Vietnam); Sohwi Jeong (South Korea); Heran Abiy (U.S./Kenya); Dillon S. Prus (U.S./Thailand); Liana Shpani (U.S./Albania); and Andrea C. Villareal (U.S./South Korea).
Members of Clark’s Global Scholar cohort and program alumni attended the reception and shared their experiences. Katharine Gill ’12/MSPC ’13 spoke about her work as founder and marketing director at SCICOL, a company aiming to streamline ways for scientists and researchers to locate collaborators and resources, making “research more inclusive and beneficial for everyone” – a very “Clarkie” mission, Gill said. “I always loved the community at Clark, and have met so many inspiring people.”
Global Scholars Burhan Ahmed ’19 (Pakistan) and Diana Argiles Castillo ’18 (Costa Rica) also offered brief takes on their research and community experiences.
Each year, Global Scholars work to develop and participate in events and activities that make a difference at Clark and in the Worcester community. For example, during the spring semester several scholars made presentations for International Day at Notre Dame Academy, a private high school in Worcester. The event was a huge success, said Patricia Doherty, director of the International Students and Scholars Office at Clark, which oversees the Global Scholars Program. She added that she hopes the group will return next year.
“I love, love, love my job because I get to work with people like you every single day,” Doherty told the students. “You were all chosen because, not only are you good students, you are leaders and we are looking to you to be leaders here at Clark.”