Recent grad Chi Pham has been named as undergraduate winner for the OIC 2022 Outstanding International Student Award.

Chi Pham (Class of 2022) was 17 years old when she traveled alone from Hanoi, Vietnam to the U.S., leaving everything behind. "Pursuing an education 8000+ miles away from home was definitely one of the biggest risks I have ever taken. However, I think it's important to always put yourself in a position with opportunities to grow and learn. The challenges I overcame made me wiser and stronger."," she said. Adaptability, perseverance, and hard work were the keys to success.

At Miami, she distinguished herself as a scholar, student leader, and social justice advocate. She even helped to found a student organization, the Council on Social Entrepreneurship (COSE), for students who are interested in maximizing social impact through business. 

But as she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Strategic Communication and Entrepreneurship in May, she collected yet another award. Pham was selected as the undergraduate winner for 2022 Outstanding International Student Award, presented by the Ohio International Consortium (OIC).

The OIC developed the Outstanding International Student Awards as a way to recognize international students who have become assets to the State of Ohio. These awards uniquely symbolize the spirit of Ohio's New Americans initiative by rewarding students who have succeeded academically and successfully integrated into the fabric of their campuses and surrounding communities. Two awards are given annually, one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students. The awards carry a cash value of $1,500.

Dan Sinetar, assistant director of International Student and Scholar Services, calls the honor well-deserved. "We're so proud that among all the many wonderful international undergraduate students at public universities in Ohio, that Chi received this award. Our community is better off for Chi having been a part of it."