The Hospitality Center Student Group​​
The Hospitality Center Student Group is a registered student-led organization at UMN which exists to welcome and connect international students to local communities. The student group plays a pivotal role in our annual arrival season and in our Celebration Meals throughout the year. This is a great opportunity to develop yourself, experience deeper community, and serve international students at UMN.

UPCOMING STUDENT GROUP EVENTS

Meet our Student Group​ Officers

Rose

Graduate Student at UofM | Special Education MA

Click to read Rose's bio

Originally from the Philippines, Rose previously taught special education and worked in the government and nonprofit organizations. Her involvement in the Hospitality Center and her passion for leadership led her to join as the Vice President and social media lead for The Hospitality Center Student Group. Being part of the group fostered her love for Minnesota and cross-cultural appreciation. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, volunteering, cooking, Bible reading, and taking photos and videos.

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Chinenyenwa

Graduate Student at UofM | MPH-Maternal and Child Health

Click to read Chinenyenwa's bio

Originally from Nigeria, Chinenyenwa is a trained physician and while studying here she is also working as a research assistant at the University. Chinenyenwa is the president of the Hospitality Center Student Group and a volunteer at the Hospitality Center. She is passionate about serving international students by offering them a safe space to connect and belong, thus contributing to the Hospitality Center's mission and fostering a welcoming community. She loves volunteering, traveling, and meeting people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. During her time in the Twin Cities, she has met wonderful people with shared values, beliefs, and interests, and gradually Minnesota is beginning to feel like home to her. Post-graduation, she wants to continue her work as a Maternal and Child Health Advocate.

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Rupal

Graduate Student at UofM | Ph.D in Chemistry

Click to read Rupal's bio

Originally from Muzaffarnagar, India, Rupal moved to Delhi for her studies and joined the University of Minnesota as a Ph.D. student in Spring 2021. Her research focuses on stabilizing enzyme cofactor models in protein-like scaffolds for small molecule transformations, such as alkyne hydrogenation and CO2 conversion. Beyond chemistry, she enjoys cooking, biking, hiking, weightlifting, and running. Rupal joined the Hospitality Center in Fall 2023, where she serves as a student officer. Passionate about community engagement and leadership, she also chairs the Joint Safety Team at UMN and actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in various volunteer roles.

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JJ

Graduate Student at UofM | Ph.D in Aerospace Engineering

Click to read JJ's bio

Originally from the Philippines, JJ is currently pursuing his PhD in Aerospace Engineering; he is studying fluid mechanics and hoping to finish in 2027. As someone who has been served by the Hospitality Center since coming to Minnesota, he now gives back to serve by being the secretary and treasurer for The Hospitality Center Student Group which he sees as his own small community to welcome new students! JJ loves international students as much as he loves eating their food and hearing their stories from back home.

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Thank you to our officers, Robert and Rukhsora, who graduated this year. We are thankful for their involvement in student group and are excited for their next adventures!

FAQs

How can I become an officer or member?
You can apply here or email our student group (below) to get more information.
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What is the time commitment?
We ask that you commit for 1 School Year; 1 meeting a month + active participation in Hospitality Center Events.

Apply to join

Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to our student group at [email protected]