Saudi Arabia

Valpo degrees: B.S., Business Management, ’10; MBA, ’11
Ph.D., Business, University of the Cumberlands, ’24

Best memories from your Valpo days: 

Valpo was my home for 9 years. I have many great memories including the birth of both my children, its harsh winters, working at the Office of International Programs and getting to know the VU faculty, staff, and students, all of whom I considered my family. But my most enjoyable time at Valpo was the year I taught CORE.

Since leaving Valpo, I co-founded two businesses and I am currently a Business Consultant at Aramco.

Graduated: August 2016
Degree: B.S. Business Administration & Finance

Best memories from my Valpo days:  

When I studied at Valpo, I felt l was surrounded by my family. All the people are nice, and I love the campus and how Valpo is a safe city. During my study in Valpo, everyone in campus was very helpful, cooperated, and they wanted me to be successful! That’s what makes me proud to be Valpo alumni.

I truly appreciate the kindness and support we received from all VU faculty, and especially in the College of Business as well as the community. I loved every aspect of living in Valpo, from going to VU, the amazing community, beautiful weather and to living close to Chicago City.

How studying at Valpo prepared me:

The amazing learning experience I had in Valpo helped me not only from a knowledge point of view, but I was also able to improve the essential skills needed to start my career. Having small classes, the newest version of study materials, and very professional professors helped me a lot to be successful during my study at Valpo. Also, I benefited from my professors’ advice, and their experiences made me think ahead to have a great and successful future.

Recent travels:

Since leaving Valpo, I have visited many countries located in Asia, Africa, Europe and the U.S. The way I see traveling is that it is an opportunity to explore, learn, and experience other countries and its cultures.

Graduated: December 2011
Degree: Masters of Liberal Studies in Human Behavior and Society

Best memories from my Valpo days:  

I can’t forget the moment everyone in Valpo prayed for my brother Rayan who died in a tragic accident. I lost a brother but I gained sisters and brothers from every spot in the world. Thank you everyone.

How studying at Valpo prepared me:

I improved in all aspects of language and education. I also learned a lot from Interlink (ESL center). Reading, writing, and presentation skills are all areas in which I felt the improvement. Throughout my time studying for my masters, I acquired all the needed information and skills to work with kids with special needs.

Graduated: May 2011
Degree: Bachelor Degree in PR

Best memories from your Valpo days:

My favorite memory is when I picked a nickname in the middle of the class and that name was JAZ!

That was such a beautiful time for me! At Valpo, I learned a lot in my life, and I loved so many things there; the track that took me to the downtown, I loved to run every morning even with rainy weather, and I remember the beautiful music around the restaurants. I wish I could go back and walk its streets to re-make my memories and the beautiful pictures in my mind, and hear people give me a beautiful “Hello!”. Valpo, I will never forget your memories.

A recent adventure:

Since I got back to my home, I traveled to some of the nearby countries, such as; Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, UK, and in 2017 to US in Valpo, and Ohio. And my next plan is to go back again to US.

In 2023, I visited the US, which was a memorable experience. I spent two weeks in Little Rock, AR, enjoying the heavy rain amidst the lush greenery, accompanied by the sound of thunder and tornado warnings. I hope to return someday.

Graduated: December 2016
Degree: B.S. Electrical Engineering

Best memories from my Valpo days:  

I have so many great memories in Valpo as I considered it to be home for 4 years. I truly appreciate the kindness and support we received from all VU faculty, and especially in the College of Engineering. I loved every aspect of living in Valpo, from going to VU, the amazing community, beautiful weather and to living close to Chicago.

My favorite memory would the GE course at the college of Engineering. From that I was able to decide which engineering disciple is most interesting to me.

How studying at Valpo prepared me:

The amazing learning experience I had in Valpo helped me not only from knowledge point of view, but I was also able to improve the essential skills needed to start my career. Not only in my major courses, but I also enjoyed other courses such as Business writing, theology, and Dale Carnegie course.

Recent travels:

Since leaving Valpo, I have visited 18 countries located in Asia, Africa, Europe and America. My last trip in December 2019 was Malaysia & Singapore. The way I see traveling is that it is an opportunity to see more and learn more about other countries and other cultures.

Graduated: August 2016
Degree: Bachelor in Business Management

Best memories from my Valpo days:  

One of the greatest things happen to me, is when I got the chance to be a student at Valpo. During my time there I met with friendly people, they would treat others with respect and understand the differences. Valpo is the place where you would gain knowledge and be happy. Its definitely one of the few places in the world where you would like to stay more.

How studying at Valpo prepared me:

As a student in the business school I was lucky to be part of great network where I had the chance to meet with great individuals as well as learn from their experience. I would say that proudly Valpo would put you in the top of the game, and doors would open eventually.

Graduated: May 2020
Degree: B.S., Electrical Engineering

Best memories from your Valpo days:

It is difficult to mention only one beautiful moment because there are many, but I think the most prominent of them are the activities that the International Student Office used to organize, which were great opportunities for cultural exchange and meeting new people.

How Valpo prepared you for your career path:

Getting to know the other cultures and meeting other friends who differ from me in their culture, religion and color undoubtedly expended my horizons and affects on the way I see things as I started my career path, especially since I worked in a diverse career environment.