International Student Union

Mission Statement and Values

At ISU, we inspire and advocate for global engagement, social justice, inclusivity, and awareness of international affairs across our campus and community. Our club embodies respect and humility for all persons, a genuine curiosity and open-mindedness towards cultures, and a desire to build lasting friendships and expand world views through these relationships.

We bring our mission to life each year through a variety of engaging programs and traditions that foster cultural exchange, inclusion, and friendship. These include our signature ISU Dinner, a celebration of global cuisine and community; the “Culture & Coffee” series during ISU general meetings or monthly open gatherings—casual spaces where students enjoy coffee and light snacks while sharing stories, traditions, and cultural topics such as festivals, food, and pop culture. We also strengthen cross-cultural connections through initiatives like the “Global Buddies” mentorship program, which pairs domestic and international students to build lasting friendships and mutual understanding. Together, these programs create a welcoming environment where students can learn from one another and celebrate the diversity that enriches the Gonzaga community.

Looking ahead to 2025–26, our vision is to deepen connections between domestic and international students, host more campus-wide global events, and continue raising ISU’s presence and impact across Gonzaga. ISU is made up of an amazing group of individuals from all parts of the world, united by a shared passion for culture, community, and friendship. We can’t wait to meet and learn about you! — Zagtivities Description

 

Meet the ISU Leadership Team

Emma Nguyen

• Role: President
• Major: Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
• Home Country: Vietnam
• Quote of life: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
• Email: vnguyen14@zagmail.gonzaga.edu 

Thanh Nguyen

• Role: Vice President
• Major: Undergraduate, Finance
• Home Country: Vietnam
• Quote for life: "Better to fight for something than live for nothing."
• Email: pnguyen11@zagmail.gonzaga.edu

Murad Zeynalov

• Role: Treasurer
• Major: MACC
• Home Country: Azerbaijan
• Quote of life: "Our greatest glory is not never failing, but in rising every time we fall."
• Email: mzeynalov@zagmail.gonzaga.edu

Yihao (Jarvis) Zhang

• Role: Vice President
• Major: Undergraduate, Engineering Management 
• Home Country: China
• Quote of life: "Time will pave the way for you."
• Email: yzhang6@zagmail.gonzaga,edu

May Ly

• Role: PR Head
• Major: Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
• Home Country: Vietnam
• Quote of life: "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end."
• Email: hly@zagmail.gonzaga.edu

Shehroz Kahn

• Role: Event Director
• Major: TESOL
• Home Country: Pakistan
• Quote of life: "No risk, no story."
• Email: skhan2@zagmail.gonzaga.edu

Sweeny Silayi

• Role: Marketing Head
• Major: Masters of Business Administration, MBA
• Home Country: Kenya
• Quote of life: "Uncomfortable enlargement or comfortable diminishment."
• Email: sslayi@zagmail.gonzaga.edu