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It is incredible to look around and see the massive amount of hard work that has been put in by those around me throughout this last year!
The Board of Directors has put in countless hours negotiating our building buy-out. We rebranded to expand to all nations and embarked on a capital campaign that opened the door to a second facility on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota. I reflect on the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers. Their willingness to serve different nationalities and fully engage in new programs—during a pandemic might I add—has been the backbone of our organization. When I think about the sacrifice and commitment of my staff, I am moved to tears. They have adapted to every new obstacle we have encountered. They have not only kept up with the great demands in the midst of change, but they have flourished! But we are not done yet! Our staff, facilities, and infrastructure are in place, but we have yet to pay for it all. This coming year's operating budget was approved at just over $500,000. Our Capital Campaign budget was $650,000. I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that through 3 quarters of our fiscal year, we are OVER 3/4s of the way there! As exciting as this is, we still have to finish strong! There is about $150,000 that needs to be raised to cover operating expenses, pay off our St. Paul facility, and cover a 5 yr. lease for our new facility on East Bank. The Hospitality Center is now poised to reach 10,000 students from 130 different nations each year, many of whom will become influential leaders in their home countries. Please help us finish this stage of expansion so that for years to come, the nations will know the love of Christ! Changing the World Together, Tim Gruditz Executive Director |
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BY: JONATHAN NESVIG & KYLE MORRIS PROGRAMMING TEAM
Looking back on the last few months, we are encouraged at how the love of Christ has been shared with international students, scholars, and their families because of volunteers and partners like you. A game of cricket leads to Bible study opportunities for students through a local church planter from India. A ride home from the airport leads to ongoing conversations and invitations to a partner church event. A free piece of furniture leads to a business mentorship relationship. Thanksgiving and Christmas Friendship Meals allow dozens of students to hear about Christ's love for them. Friendship Match not only creates friendships but also mentorship and spiritual counsel. We expectantly hope for these opportunities to multiply in the year to come as this pandemic wanes and international students return in greater numbers. It is on this foundation that we believe we will continue to increase our capacity for reaching more and more students. We are incredibly excited about the new opportunities we have with the Minneapolis facility. The Lunar New Year celebration, where we hosted nearly 100 people, gave us a glimpse of the future impact this location will have. Most of the international students who came walked to the building. We are also eager to take advantage of the coming summer sun. We plan to launch a hiking club and host BBQs. We will also offer three overnight camping trips with one of our partner organizations. We look forward to you joining us in the coming season! |
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STUDENT PARTNER: SAI
How do you keep busy? I'm an Electrical Engineering Ph.D. student How did you get connected with the Hospitality Center? They initially helped find me temporary accommodation for the last week of August when I moved to the US for my graduate studies in Fall 2019. Friendship Match Highlight: We have been friends since December 2020. Philip is my first American friend, I have learned a lot about American culture, and he's a fun guy to hang out with. Our primary common interest is food. We like to explore different cuisines and visit different restaurants across the Twin cities once or twice a month. He's also a great cook! |
VOLUNTEER PARTNER: PHILLIP
How do you keep busy? I work at an Architecture Firm How did you get connected with the Hospitality Center? I searched online for a Christian group that ministers to international students here in Minneapolis. I've been involved with The Hospitality Center for over a year now. What is your favorite free time activity? Cooking and board games Friendship Match Highlight: Since my friendship match and I are both foodies, we enjoy touring the many ethnic restaurants around the Twin Cities, including the classic American burger joints! |
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I recently joined the staff of The Hospitality Center after sixteen years working at the University of Minnesota. My focus was on recruiting and advising students regarding the Master of Accountancy and Master of Business Taxation programs. Prior to that, I worked for 2 years at CRU’s Western European headquarters in Germany. I’m excited to bring my experience with students and administration, along with my passion for other cultures, to my role at The Hospitality Center!
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After two months in Costa Rica, as I was leaving, I realized I had left behind a stuffed animal. It was a gray manatee I got from Seaworld when I was a boy. I loved how its soft familiar feeling comforted me as I stayed in a place so foreign to me. During my time there, I was blessed to live in a local home with a mother and her son. To this day, they still have my manatee! This is why I am passionate about the students we serve— they have no family here. When I come into work, I like to ask myself, “How can I care for these students so that if they leave a manatee behind, they can know who has it?”
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At this year's Friendraiser, students from various countries will share about their experience with The Hospitality Center. Here is a preview from a few of those students!
BRIAN FROM SOUTH KOREA | BUSINESS ANALYTICS
"A friend of mine told me that I can get some free furniture from HC. I didn't have a plan to be involved in their events at first. But that's when I met Jon and was impressed by his sincere attitude to help people in need. I really wanted to pay HC back with something that I can do for them. So that's why I changed my mind and decided to volunteer at Welcome Picnic." |
JERRIN FROM PUNE, INDIA | MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
"The Hospitality Center arranges so many different activities throughout the year for students to have such varied experiences... It exposes the students to other international cultures as well. Not a lot of countries have such international diversity as the US. I would also like to talk about the relationships that The Hospitality Center helped me form. According to me, this benefit of providing international students with community is the biggest one that the Hospitality Center provides.” RYUTO FROM OSAKA, JAPAN | MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY & NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP
"Study abroad can be so challenging for those who are not familiar with American culture and education system. The Hospitality Center certainly works as a hub for those students. Growing up in a country where more than 60% of the national population is non- religious, I didn't have many opportunities to know how religious faith works for individuals, and even, for society. However, my volunteering experience at Hospitality made me realize how people can get united under what they believe in and make a positive influence in the community." |