AZI celebrates graduates in international education ceremony

Arizona International celebrated graduating seniors in Arizona and around the world at Global Graduation: An International & Study Abroad Celebration on May 12, 2026. Students and guests gathered in the South Ballroom at the University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center, welcomed by Chief International Affairs Officer Jenny Lee.  

“It is so important, now more than ever before, to have an international perspective and international experience,” Lee said, noting that a large body of research supports that international education experiences help graduates succeed in highly competitive job markets and achieve top leadership roles. “Tonight, we're celebrating your achievements, and we're celebrating the journeys that brought you here,” Lee said.  

Three graduating students delivered graduation addresses at the event:

• Malia Henert, an honors student and alumni of two study abroad programs, reflected on her experiences in Ireland, Italy, and England, and how an internship addressing healthcare needs in London helped shape the kind of physician she aspires to be: “one that leads with empathy, understanding, and adaptability”  
   
• Jeff Le, who completed a dual degree in law — one from the U of A, one from Hanoi Law University in his home country of Vietnam — shared that his studies were supported through a collaboration between the U.S. and the Vietnam Ministry of Justice to develop and strengthen Vietnam's judicial system, saying: “I carry with me not just memories, but a sense of responsibility 
   
• Mourad Abdennebi, who is earning doctorate in second language acquisition and teaching from the U of A, built his address on his experience serving as a volunteer in CorpsAfrica and learning “how human connection can grow even across differences and distances;” he encouraged students and gathered guests to be the person whose support makes a difference in someone’s life: “the one who encourages, who inspires, who leads with gratitude and by example”

The Global Graduation event is ceremonial, a complement to the University of Arizona official commencement later in May. The annual celebration honors international students studying at the U of A; students graduating from the U of A microcampus network around the world with dual degrees from their home institution and the U of A; and U of A students who have completed one or more study abroad programs.