Shared memories bring international alumni back to campus after nearly 15 years

The group, which includes former exchange students and graduates from Taiwan, Germany, Finland, and Vietnam, all shared a common feeling upon their return. 

“It was very emotional coming back,” said Karen Chen, of Taiwan. 

 

Chen was here one year as an exchange student and loved it so much she transferred to Pitt State to finish the remainder of her education in Fashion Merchandising. 

Here, she grew as a leader in the International Student Association and started the Taiwan Student Association. Today, she works in the global fashion industry in Taiwan, but she thinks often of her fellow international classmates. 

“The connection we all formed back then is so precious,” she said. 

They stayed in touch over the years through texts, social media, and calls, bonded over their shared memories of their time here. 

Nicole Ritter, of Germany, was here just one semester in Marketing & Management in the Kelce College of Business. She loved it so much, she took along a Pitt State sweatshirt when she climbed to Basecamp at Mt. Everest. 

“I remember how much (Associate Dean) Dr. Lynn Murray believed in me,” Ritter recalled. “Here, you feel special as an individual – in Germany, not so much. Dr. Murray invited us to her home, and with so many activities we could choose from, we felt like we were a part of things.” 

On their tour led by Brenda Hawkins and Aaron Hurt of the Office of International Programs and Services, the group was amazed at what had been built on campus since their time here:  

But they also noticed so many beloved things remained the same, including the gorilla statues around town, the welcome smiles they got from staff at the Dining Hall, and the spirit of the football games at Carnie Smith Stadium, where on Saturday they cheered on the Gorillas. 

Torsten Fischer, of Germany, who attended just one semester in the Kelce College of Business, said it was the “best six months of my life.” 

“The U.S. is completely different, in that people here tend to connect with their universities,” he said. “I had such fun engaging with all of the programs, evening activities, and sports events, and they were all so well organized.” 

He forged lasting friendships with other international students — including his first friend from Asia, which opened the door to a future global career path. 

The reunion group also included Cindy Pai, Lydia Huang, Rita Lin, Joy Wu, and Sandy Gu (Taiwan); Valtteri Korolainen and Kalle Koivuniemi (Finland); Marcel Hoang Kim (Germany); and Mikkie Hoang (Vietnam). American alum Brian Wolfe also joined the group for the reunion.  

This week, more international students will return from around the world for three days of reunion activities as part of Homecoming 2025.

Learn more about being an international student at Pitt State.