The University of Lynchburg held its first international student cording ceremony on Monday, March 30 in Drysdale Student Center’s West Room. Ten students received their graduation cords and warm congratulations from University officials and faculty.
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, the University’s first foreign-born president, shared her experiences of living in Germany, where she did not speak the language and struggled to navigate daily tasks, like buying shampoo.
Rev. Dr. Nathan Albert, assistant vice president of belonging and University chaplain, also shared stories from his time living abroad in London and the culture shock that he experienced.
Then, Meg Dillon ’17, assistant vice president of student support, challenged the students not to just blend into American culture but to continue standing out and “keep shining” because “our country needs diversity.”
Next, the students themselves had an opportunity to speak to the group.
Soliyana Atnafu ’26, a computer science major from Ethiopia, said that when she first came to Lynchburg she was “the most shy person you would ever meet,” but that in her first year, her advisor, Alison Tuck, encouraged her to get involved with campus life.
She followed Tuck’s advice and attended an international student event where she befriended the then-president of the International Student Society, who encouraged Atnafu to run for president.
“I was like, ‘Are you talking to me?’ … and she was like, ‘Yeah — you! … I feel like you’d be a good president. Just apply for it.’”
Atnafu ran for the position and won. This led to her becoming more involved on campus. She later served as international student ambassador and Student Government Association president, where she met “amazing people” and got her first summer job.
“I love this place,” she said. “Everyone I meet is amazing.”
Saar Prins ’26, a criminology major from the Netherlands, said that she originally came to Lynchburg on a gap year that “turned into graduating from the University.”
During her time at the University, Prins was involved in various groups and organizations. She served as vice president of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and sat on the student judicial board.
She also played for Lynchburg’s field hockey team, where she learned “discipline, resilience, and what it really means to be a part of something greater.” Prins thanked her coaches, teammates, professors, and sorority sisters for shaping her experience.
“The University of Lynchburg didn’t just give me an education,” she said. “It gave me perspective. It showed me what I’m capable of.”
After the speeches, Ngun Sui Zing, director of international student support, called the names of students and the University officials who would present them with their cords. The students came up, received their cords, and posed for pictures.
“My heart is full of pride for our students,” Zing said. “Watching them overcome so many obstacles to reach this milestone has been truly inspiring.
“I’ve seen our graduates lean on each other through the toughest times, and seeing them walk together at commencement this May will be a beautiful sight. … While I’m sad to see them leave, I’m honored that we shared a chapter in their story. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!”
