School of International Affairs welcomes class of 2026

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) welcomed the class of 2026 to the Lewis Katz Building on Friday, August 23, for an in-depth orientation that included essential academic and administrative information as well as time for community building and camaraderie. Through the day’s events, students build a foundation for success at SIA and beyond as they begin their journey toward a global career.

“I am excited to welcome this year’s group of terrific young scholars to the School of International Affairs,” said Victor Romero, interim dean of the School of International Affairs and Penn State Law, Maureen B. Cavanaugh Distinguished Faculty Scholar, and professor of law. “They are poised to reap the benefits of an intimate, rigorous master’s program within the context of a large research university; truly, the best of both worlds.”

SIA offers an interdisciplinary and flexible two-year master’s degree program in international affairs designed to prepare students to become global leaders in diverse areas such as diplomacy, policy, security, development, research, education, and more. SIA students—as well as faculty and staff—reflect the school’s global and interdisciplinary mission.

The class of 2026 at a glance:

• 40 students
• 12 countries represented
• 14 U.S. states represented
• 25 different undergraduate majors
• 21 languages spoken
• 27% identify as part of underrepresented racial/ethnic group
• 30% are first-generation college students
• 1 recipient of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship
• 1 recipient of the Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship
• 1 recipient of the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship
• 1 U.S. Army veteran

Part of orientation included experiential and team-building activities that helped the students build community and recognize strength in their differences.

“It was a joy to see the diverse membership of our new SIA class begin to come together at our orientation events,” said Dr. Mitchell Smith, director of SIA and professor of international affairs. “My core message to our new students is to engage fully in the intellectual life of the School of International Affairs and to take every opportunity to learn from one another.”

STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

As orientation wrapped up, students had a chance to step back and reflect on the day and to envision the coming year at SIA.

"Orientation day was an eye opener for me because I finally got to meet my cohort and learn about our incredibly diverse backgrounds, not just diverse in terms identity, but also experiences. It felt empowering to get to meet very successful individuals from backgrounds in sports, politics, business, military and more and I feel like we will be able to learn a lot from one another as well as our professors.

Looking at the year ahead, I am proud to call SIA my home, and I am so excited for the learning experiences that represents."

- Damir Pupovic

"My favorite part of the orientation was when Director Smith welcomed us and mentioned where every student is coming from. It gave me a sense of belonging. His advice on engagement was also very eye-opening. I am looking forward to learning, participating, and engaging at SIA."

- Amazing Acquaye

"Without a doubt my favorite part of orientation was the outdoor team building exercises we did with the facilitator from Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. It was a great opportunity to get to know my fellow classmates and discover shared interests in a fun environment.

What I am most looking forward to during my time at SIA is utilizing the extensive resources and support networks offered by SIA to help with career exploration and preparation for internationally focused career paths. The chance to learn from SIA faculty and the talented students in my cohort will be invaluable as I enter the next chapter in my career."

- Cecil Houseknecht

"This year at Penn State SIA, I look forward to learning from my peers and connecting with alumni and professionals on our NYC and Washington, D.C., trips!"

– Sabrina Knox