Fall '25: Meet Our Graduates
This Fall, UNI and the International Engagement Office will see 13+ of our international community walk across the graduation stage and bring their journey here at UNI to an end. Some of these students have called UNI home for 4 years, others have completed their Masters while walking through our halls. The Office of International Engagement has seen these 13+ graduates from over 6 different countries grow and thrive since stepping foot on campus for Orientation, and the journey has been awe-inspiring.
Pursuing higher education is a feat, but traveling thousands of miles from home, taking a chance on a campus, a community, and a dream is quite another. Not only settling into college life, but engaging with new norms, foods, weather, currency, and even language at times.
These students have overcome numerous challenges, worked tireless hours, and persevered through to achieve. It is this grit and growth that truly makes these students and our international community on campus shine. So, we want to take this opportunity to highlight our graduates, shine a spotlight on their experience, and showcase just a taste of the amazing individuals that make up our UNI Community.
So, how do our graduates see UNI? Coming from countries, communities, and institutions around the world to the heart of Iowa?
We asked them and they answered.
Meet Gavik Kuruppu.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Gavik came to UNI in the Spring of 2022 amidst snow and delayed flights to UNI’s campus. Gavik has since called UNI home for the past four years, making his mark on the university and its community. Gavik is graduating this Fall with a Double Major in Technology Management and Graphic Technology.
When asked about his most memorable part of the UNI experience, he simply called back to the “...plenty of opportunities I’ve had—I can’t pick just one.” However, as many know, there is one opportunity that stands out amongst the rest. Gavik paved the way and became the first international student to hold the position of Coke Campus Ambassador, a position not only representing Coke here on campus, but representing UNI to the community. Speaking on the experience specifically, Gavik noted that” …becoming the first International Coca-Cola Campus Ambassador has been the biggest factor for professional readiness.”
Finally, when asked what advice he hopes to pass along to new international students hoping to come to UNI, Gavik advised them to “Be adventurous, chase your dreams, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.”
Meet Blessing Boateng.
Originally from Ghana, Blessing joined UNI as a Master of Accounting student in the Spring of 2025. Since arriving, Blessing has taken full advantage of opportunities on campus, serving as a Graduate Assistant, collaborating with professors, and “...working on real-world projects.” These experiences, filled with challenge, support, and connection, have been the most memorable part of the UNI journey.
Academically and professionally, UNI helped Blessing grow through rigorous coursework, hands-on case studies, and GA responsibilities that strengthened confidence, communication, and leadership. Personally for Blessing, UNI created a space to become more “...resilient, focused, and adaptable.”
Reflecting on the campus community, Blessing shared, “What I love most about the UNI community is how welcoming and supportive everyone is… That sense of belonging has made UNI feel like home.”
For future international students, Blessing’s advice is simple: “Stay open, ask questions, and use the resources available… Get involved, make connections, and give yourself time to adjust—you will grow more than you expect.”
Meet Sharyar Khan.
Originally from Pakistan, Sharyar joined UNI in the Fall of 2022 to study Computer Science. His decision was shaped by strong personal recommendations from UNI alumni who spoke highly of the supportive environment, exceptional faculty, and opportunities for growth, an impression that proved true from the moment he arrived.
When reflecting on standout memories, Sharyar shared that while there have been many, winning the Soccer Intramurals during his freshman year remains an unforgettable highlight.
Sharyar describes his growth at UNI as transformative, “UNI has helped me grow in every area of my life… UNI pushed me to step outside my comfort zone academically through challenging coursework, and professionally by giving me real experience in the field.”
He also credits student involvement for building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, noting that the diverse and supportive community helped him become more confident and sure of his goals. “I’m definitely not the same person I was when I first walked on campus, and I’m grateful for that growth.”
What Sharyar appreciates most about UNI is its welcoming atmosphere, “Even though there are thousands of students on campus, it still has that close-knit vibe… You feel like you’re truly part of a community.”
His involvement across multiple organizations has shaped his journey significantly. ISP kept him connected to the international community; NISG gave him a voice in student government; CATs opened doors to connect with alumni; and serving as an RA taught him leadership and responsibility. Together, these experiences made his time at UNI meaningful and full of growth.
To future international students, Sharyar offers this advice, “Put yourself out there. Join clubs, meet new people, and try new things… UNI offers so many ways to grow. The more you embrace the experience, the more you’ll discover about the community, the world, and yourself.”
Meet Philomena Adu-Gyamfi.
Originally from Ghana, Philomena joined UNI in the Fall of 2024 to pursue her MBA in Business Management. Her time at UNI has been nothing short of transformative, an experience that has strengthened her confidence, sharpened her academic abilities, and prepared her for the professional challenges ahead.
Reflecting on campus life, Philomena shared her appreciation for the community. “The inclusivity and genuine concern of the department, faculty, and the UNI community for students is really impressive.” That support has played a large role in her growth both inside and outside the classroom.
Philomena describes UNI as “strategic, adaptive and impactful ground; shaping my path, building resilience and driving real-world impact.”
To future international students, her message is warm and encouraging. “You are welcome to a community that will impact your future positively and shape you through life’s journey.”
Meet Tomiisin Ilesanmi.
Originally from Nigeria, Tomiisin joined UNI for the English: Creative Writing program in the Spring of 2023. One of the most meaningful parts of the UNI experience has been being a member of the International Student Promoters (ISP) organization, a role that helped build confidence, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop leadership abilities.
UNI has also shaped Tomiisin personally, creating opportunities to build strong interpersonal relationships with people from many different backgrounds. Reflecting on the campus atmosphere, Tomiisin shared, “I love the friendliness and acceptance the community brings; you feel just at home around friends.”
Looking back on the journey, Tomiisin highlights how ISP and the UNI community together supported both growth and belonging, saying that the experience truly strengthened confidence and leadership.
To future students considering UNI, Tomiisin offers simple advice: “Experience the entirety of the UNI experience.”