Mary Lusajo

Intercultural & International Programs Coordinator

Mary's Stuff

Hometown:
Shenandoah (aka the Doah)

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Master’s Degree in Business
Bellevue University

What do I do at Iowa Western?
I work in Enrollment Services and help students from other countries with everything from obtaining a form called an I-20 that is needed to get a student visa to helping them enroll in ESL courses, if needed. My favorite part of my job is planning cultural activities on campus! We bring in guest speakers, hold movie screenings and plan opportunities for students to share their culture through presentations. One of my favorite events this year was the International Fair, where students from around the world displayed their country’s culture at “booths” and students and staff came to view the displays throughout the day.

IWCC Stuff

Favorite IWCC Student Story:
I love culture and love cultural events, so my favorite moments involve learning about other cultures. One of my favorite events was watching Darfur Diaries and listening to students from the Sudan that have lived through the war in Sudan tell about their lives. It was so inspirational to hear how far these students have come and hear about what amazing goals they have set for themselves.

IWCC Insider Tip:
Think libraries are boring, quiet places where the most common sound you hear is “SHHHHHH”? You’ll quickly rethink this when you visit the IWCC library! Sure, it is a great place to study and do research, but it is also a popular hang-out on campus.

Favorite Link:
http://www.iwcc.edu/blog/  I love the bloggers at IWCC! It is a great way to learn about IWCC from the perspective of current students.

Fun Stuff

What could you not live without?
I couldn’t live without my coffee pot and cappuccino machine! I got addicted in college and have been hooked since! Late nights studying turned in to early mornings at work once I graduated from college and I just haven’t been able to live without my caffeine! It is a good thing that this campus has coffee everywhere, including a new cybercafe opening in June!

Community Service Involvement: 
I am always looking for opportunities to get involved in the community, especially volunteering. One of my favorite activities is working with youth athletic programs. It is sometimes like herding cats, but I am always up to a challenge!

Hobbies and Interests:
I love to travel-especially to foreign countries. I spent a semester in Argentina and a semester in Mexico. My next big trip will be to Africa.