Cardinal Stritch University attracts students from across the world

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Dönnerssön Penna, a 2015 graduate of Cardinal Stritch University.
Thousands of people watched as Dönnerssön Penna crossed the stage and received his Cardinal Stritch University diploma at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee on May 17. Since then, more than 39,000 people have viewed a video recording of that occasion on YouTube.
 
Why? As an international student from Brazil, Penna wanted to share his graduation with his mamãe (mother) and sister back home. With technical help from his girlfriend’s father, Penna used Skype to allow his family to witness his special moment live as he carried his cell phone on stage. A video of this sweet encounter titled, “Son Surprises Mom at His Graduation” gained the attention of local media and became a favorite on social sites.
 
This endearing moment is just one of countless touching, memorable, and noteworthy moments experienced this year by many Cardinal Stritch University international students. The number of international students studying at Stritch in 2014 -15 was the largest in university history. 
“We’ve been so blessed by our international students,” said President Dr. James Loftus. “They bring a joy and energy to our community as well as a genuine appreciation for their opportunity to study in the U.S. and pursue a Stritch education.”
 
Representing more than 30 countries in pursuit of degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, students are drawn to the acclaimed academic programs in nursing, business, and leadership. At the undergraduate level, other international students want the opportunity to play on one of Stritch’s 15 athletic teams. Even a few adult students fly in each month from distant lands such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia for weekend graduate sessions.
 
“Their presence among us widens our perspective and makes us a better place by fostering a more global viewpoint,” Loftus said.