Tshite, Degbe earn top international student honors

Heidi Gregori-Gahan, associate provost for international programs, found herself holding back tears as she told the crowd gathered in the USI Performance Center about the young man standing with her on stage at the USI International Reception on Thursday, April 25. President Ronald Rochon wiped away some tears of his own as Joel Tshite '19, engineering, was presented the Outstanding International Graduate Award, which recognizes an international student with outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement upon graduation from USI.

Tshite, who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo with his family when he was 6 years old and came to USI from a refugee camp in Zimbabwe, Africa, is fluent in five languages. "He [Joel] is a very rare person who has risen from the depths of probable despair to certain future success in the field of engineering, due to his intelligence, hard work and determination," a faculty member wrote in Tshite's nomination. "Over the course of his studies at USI, Joel has proven to be the type of student every teacher likes to have in class. His performance in each course is excellent, and he is particularly outstanding with written reports."

In addition to his academic achievements, Tshite co-founded the USI African Cultures Club, has worked with homeless individuals at the Evansville Rescue Mission and helped raise $5,000 for refugee students in Syria. He also works part-time at the Evansville-based business, Metronet, and has held two internships in Zimbabwe, including at the American Embassy. In 2018 he earned a certificate of achievement for a summer research workshop at Cornell University and was honored with the USI Outstanding Sophomore Award.

"Thank you so much for this special award," Tshite said. "I would not be here today if not for the strong and constant support from my friends, family and the USI community."

Fellow engineering student and co-founder of the African Cultures Club, Jerome Degbe '22, a native of Cote d'Ivoire, was also honored at the event with the 2019 Peace Ambassador Award. The award is presented to a student who creates greater cross-cultural awareness and increases the understanding of the world, its people and its traditions.

Degbe's nominators cited his leadership skills, drive and passion which allowed him to not only enhance the African Cultures Club by growing the African Cultures Day event on campus and organizing an educational field trip to Yale University, but also co-found the student organization Tech Inclusion, all while succeeding academically. "Jerome sets a wonderful example for his fellow students at USI," one nominator wrote. "He works hard and does not give up-even when the material is very challenging. He truly set a great example for his classmates."

A student worker in the Intensive English Program office, Degbe was praised for helping and welcoming new international students. "He brings a sense of joy, camaraderie and acceptance to every student who walks through the doors," one nominator said. Another added that Degbe "is always willing to do whatever is asked of him and is eager to learn new skills. His enthusiasm, positive outlook and energy are contagious and make him a joy to work with. He has displayed many exemplary attributes that give me both comfort and hope for tomorrow's leaders."

"The leadership of the USI faculty and staff gave me a unique opportunity to impact my future and the future of my surroundings," said Degbe. "I honestly do not know what I would be doing today regarding my academic, professional and personal goals if I was not awarded the Global Ambassador Scholarship. I know for sure that I would not have gone to college. I came to USI not rich or famous, with no special talent or genius. I just came with my work ethic and my determination to give back to USI. I wanted to contribute to the establishment of diversity and be one of the voices and faces that are an ambassador of diversity."

"Both Joel and Jerome have taken their roles as USI Global Ambassadors very seriously from the moment they stepped foot on campus," said Gregori-Gahan. "Their unique stories of resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to our entire community, and it has been such a privilege and a true joy working with these extraordinary young men. Indeed, they restore our faith in the future of this ever-changing, interconnected and complicated world in which we live."  

For more information about the Center for International Programs, visit USI.edu/international.