New student organization supports multicultural Schreyer Scholars

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ziping Ye, a fourth-year Schreyer Scholar from Qingdao in China’s Shandong province, knows well the unique circumstances that come with attending Penn State and the Schreyer Honors College as an international student. He plays an integral role in a newly established organization that aims to support the well-being and success of Schreyer Scholars from various cultures. 

The International and Multicultural Association of Schreyer Scholars (IMASS) launched at the start of the spring semester with Ye as its president. The organization’s first event, a Lunar New Year celebration, brought together more than 40 Scholars in Atherton Hall’s Grandfather Clock Lounge to mark the occasion. It was one of the first steps toward delivering on IMASS’s mission to build a sense of community for international and multicultural Scholars, offer access to career resources, and promote cross-cultural awareness throughout the college. 

“International students face many challenges, and our organization wants to support them and foster a genuine sense of belonging,” Ye said. “Our events will be a way to learn more about different cultures and create a diverse and inclusive community. It aligns well with Schreyer’s mission of ‘building a global perspective’ among Scholars.” 

China, India, Korea and the United States are among the home countries represented by current IMASS members, and their studies range from liberal arts to STEM. Ye said that the group plans to celebrate major cultural festivals throughout the rest of spring. Through those events and by collaborating with other international and multicultural student organizations, IMASS aims to help its members build their networks and access valuable resources. 

Lynette Yarger, professor of information sciences and technology and Schreyer’s associate dean for equity and inclusion, serves as IMASS’s faculty adviser. Through events like Lunar New Year and Black History Month, she intends to assist in building a sense of belonging while celebrating diverse peoples and cultures in the Penn State community.  

“Events such as these create opportunities for building social connections by embracing and experiencing global cultures,” Yarger said. “Equally important, IMASS members can apply leadership, intercultural communication, and team-building skills, which will benefit them in all types of organizations.” 

Yarger encourages interested Scholars to reach out to her or current IMASS members to learn more about how the group can be a safe space for support, help grow their cultural awareness, and provide an opportunity to form lasting friendships. 

Scholars who are interested in learning more about the group can join the IMASS GroupMe, visit the organization’s website, or follow IMASS on Instagram. Additionally, organizational meetings happen bi-weekly from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Atherton Hall’s Grandfather Clock Lounge. The next one is scheduled for Feb. 16, and prospective new members are encouraged to attend.