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2021 International Business Newsletter

International Business

2021-22 Newsletter

Global Cafe
Kalu Osiri speaking at the Global Cafe.

Message From The Director

Our 35-year-old international business program remains remarkably agile as we continue to impart this innovative mindset to today’s students. As the world adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic, we sought to create meaningful engagement amongst our IB community both in-person and online.

Below are some highlights from IB initiatives:

  • Our signature Global Case Competition was sponsored this year by Hauff Sports. The Hauff family contracted with two students from the winning team to implement solutions presented during the competition. Read more about the Global Case Competition.
  • Global Immersion experiences, required to complete the international business degree, expanded to virtual offerings during 2021. Nebraska and Rwandan students engaged in a virtual entrepreneurship course during the summer session. Read about this creative alternative to study abroad.
  • Global Café and Connections brought students, faculty and staff from across campus together for a celebration of culture and cuisine. Partnering with the Office of Global Affairs, the event aimed to enhance community and engage students from around the world. Enjoy photos and stories about Global Café and Connections.

Our alumni and friends have been instrumental to the success of our IB program as we prepare students to lead the future of business worldwide. If you are interested in learning more about any of these programs, please contact Richard Fishler at rfishler2@unl.edu or 402-472-2310 or me at jkosiri@unl.edu or 402-472-2183.

Dr. Kalu Osiri
Director, International Business Program and Associate Professor of Practice in Management

Muzna Headshot
From Oman to Lincoln, Graduate Finds Home At Nebraska
Faculty and Staff Help International Business Major Gain Experience

After leaving her family in Oman for the first time, Muzna Al Zadjali came to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln unsure what to expect. As she grew more involved in her international business major and challenged herself to engage with others in the College of Business community, she found support and began to feel at home.

At Nebraska, Al Zadjali minored in Arabic studies and joined the international Toastmasters Club to further develop her public speaking skills. Engaging as a member of the International Business Club and Business International Student Association also allowed her to expand her global mindset while building connections with other students. Finally, completing the Employment Readiness Certificate in the College of Business prepared her to search for work in the United States.

Read Story

Students competing at the Global Case Competition
Hauff Sports Sponsors 2021 Global Case Competition
Nebraska Students Gain Experience Helping Family-Owned Business

Fourteen teams of Huskers from diverse backgrounds, countries and majors competed in the 2021 Global Case Competition hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln International Business Program. Students worked together to solve a global business challenge for Hauff Sports, a family-owned Midwest sporting equipment business, which awarded $10,000 to the top three teams.

“The virtual competition was an opportunity for students to work as a global team to solve a business challenge that cuts across multiple disciplines. Students were presented with a case study from Hauff Sports then tasked to research, develop and present their solutions to a panel of judges, which included members of the Hauff family,” said Mikki Sandin, international business and inclusion coordinator.

Read Story

Students competing at the Global Case Competition
Rwanda
Students Explore Entrepreneurship in Rwanda and U.S.
New Global Experience Program Offers Creative Alternative to Study Abroad

Huskers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln explored Rwanda and global entrepreneurship from the comfort of their own homes thanks to a virtual global experience program coordinated by the College of Business. The new virtual five-week course called Global Startup Communities: An Examination of Entrepreneurship in Rwanda and the United States (MNGT 398) offered an alternative to studying abroad while enabling a cross-cultural experience through the lens of entrepreneurship.

“Through videos, movies, personal stories and demonstrations, the students were all able to ‘visit’ Rwanda in a meaningful way. With the desire to experience the many aspects of Rwandan culture, the course was beneficial for students from any country who wanted a global immersion experience,” said Mikki Sandin, international business and inclusion coordinator, who helped coordinate the virtual program.

Read Story

The College of Business
International Business Achievements

Learn more about recent honors, appointments and publications at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business in this International Business achievements column. The achievements of faculty, staff and students are grouped within the college’s three mission-focused goals of research + discovery, learning + transformation and connection + engagement.

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The college of Business
Professor kalu osiri teaching a classroom full of students.
Osiri Helps Students Think Globally, Act Locally
Asked & Answered

His multicultural upbringing in Benin, West Africa, laid the foundation for his current work as director of the International Business Program in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Business.

As an associate professor of practice in management, Osiri works with Huskers to cultivate their global mindset, gain leadership and emotional intelligence and work through the ethical questions of international business.

In order to take what he’s learned in his own research and practice to a global audience, including his brothers and sisters in Africa, Osiri and his global associates recently launched Osiri University, which offers courses from a decolonized curriculum. Though mostly online currently, Osiri University is expanding its footprint by adding materials and modules that can be delivered and accessed anywhere, even in remote villages of Africa.

Read Story

WHY I GIVE BACK

Christie

"At the College of Business, the International Business Program provides many ways for students, alumni and business professionals to interact. One of the most impactful engagements is the IB Connect mentorship program. This program introduces international business majors to professionals from all walks of life and from all around the world. These professionals, like myself, become mentors. We share our personal experiences and provide skillful guidance for our student mentees."

- Christie Stukenholtz, ’08
President and Co-Founder, Senior Care Finder

Support the academic, professional and administrative activities of the International Business Program.

International Business Excellence Fund

Program Support

Our international business majors have the support of our advisory board, a group of global-minded professionals who help shape our curriculum, and our faculty fellows, who accompany students on global immersion trips and have practical experience teaching students from a world viewpoint.

Advisory Board Faculty Fellows

Find International Business on Social Media

Contact the International Business Team

Osiri, John Kalu
International Business
Fishler, Richard
Business Advising and Student Engagement