With faculty, staff, and students looking on, 23 graduating seniors were recognized for their achievements as they received the Global Readiness Certificate (GRC)—only the third group of students to earn this honor. It was a time to celebrate, but also a time to reflect on the extraordinary journey that made it possible.

This year's graduates included students from the College of Education, Health & Society, Farmer School of Business, and College of Arts and Science. Collectively, these scholars performed over 660 hours of community service, led numerous organizations across campus, participated in global learning all over the world, and engaged in critical self-reflection throughout their experience.

Alicia Castillo Shrestha, program coordinator for the Global Readiness Certificate, began the ceremony with Miami University's Land Acknowledgement. Graduating scholars Gaby Hattar (EHS) and Nav Chima (CAS) then highlighted National Arab American Heritage Month and Better Together Week, hosted by Multifaith Engagement for Transformative Action (META).

Shrestha noted that the GRC's global outlook and commitment is essential to the global future students will experience. "We're so proud of our graduates who have gone above and beyond their traditional Miami education to earn this very special academic distinction," she said.

In her remarks to the graduates, Dr. Cheryl Young, Associate Vice President, Global Initiatives, thanked Shrestha for her dedication. She traced the evolution of the GRC—an idea that took root 10 years ago with the creation of Global Initiatives itself—representing a desire to enhance students' ability to thrive and compete in a globally-focused marketplace. "The recipients of the GRC are our global learning superstars," she said. "Thank you for making this vision come true for us."

Faculty liaisons offered their congratulations as well. Dr. Katie Day Good (CAS) praised the way that students made pushing themselves out of their comfort zones part of their college experiences. "That is a skill that will serve you forever," she said.

Dr. Adam Beissel (CEHS), the newest GRC faculty liaison, agreed. "The work that you've all done is going to benefit you beyond graduation. Without a doubt, you've all emerged as engaged cultural citizens." 

On behalf of the Farmer School of Business, Jacob Drees, assistant director of global business programs, focused on the global nature of business. "You are doing something extraordinary. It's one thing to work with an international business; but it is another thing to understand their language, their culture," he said.

GRC graduates were recognized with a certificate and awarded a medallion that they will wear at commencement. 

With the addition of this year's group, a total of 38 students have graduated with the certificate since it started in 2019.