UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) welcomed the class of 2026 to the Lewis Katz Building on Friday, Aug. 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.
- A recipient of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship.
- A recipient of the Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship.
- A recipient of the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship.
- A 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 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.”