School International Affairs class of 2025 ready to advance their global careers

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) held a Graduate Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, May 11, to honor its class of 2025. Family, friends, faculty, staff, and current students packed the Greg Sutliff Auditorium in the Lewis Katz Building to celebrate the graduates’ achievements.

A total of 30 graduates completed their master of international affairs degree this spring, including 11 who were part of the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) program that accelerates the completion of a bachelor’s and master’s degree. In addition, four SIA students anticipate completing their master’s degrees in August 2025.

“The Graduate Recognition Ceremony epitomizes our shared sense of community in SIA,” said Dr. Mitchell Smith, SIA director and professor of international affairs. “Our modest size enables us to celebrate each of our students individually, with every student cheering the success of their classmates. It was a pleasure to share this joyful moment with our students and their families.”

While the graduates are ready to take the next step in their global careers, they have already made an impact through their work at SIA. Members of the class of 2025 completed research papers that:

• Suggested pathways to promote indigenous food security in Brazil in the context of climate change;
• Analyzed the likelihood of steps towards global nuclear disarmament; and
• Examined the strategic implications of China’s near-monopoly over critical raw materials, among other research topics.

Members of the class also gained hands-on experience through internships at:

• Defense Intelligence Agency;
• Engineers Without Borders;
• Federal Bureau of Investigation;
• Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (Cape Town, South Africa);
• Middle East Institute;
• PNC Bank and Wells Fargo Bank;

U.S. Department of State; and more.

SIA Graduate Spotlight: Madison Beer

Concentration: International Business and Economics
Capstone: Research Assistant with the McCourtney Institute for Democracy
Post-Graduation Plans: Madison has obtained a position with Anheuser-Busch in Houston, Texas, as a Global Graduate Management Trainee, a full-time rotational training program that leads to an official placement with the company.

“Coming into SIA through the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) program, I was one of the youngest master's candidates. I had both excitement as well as nerves, but when I began my classes I was welcomed into a new community at Penn State with open arms. Learning from such distinguished faculty, I feel incredibly prepared to enter the global workforce. The SIA community has supported me every step of the way and has provided me with a problem-solving mindset, critical thinking skills, and the global outlook needed to change and better the world.”

Outstanding Student Award

During the ceremony, Director Smith announced the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award, presented annually to a graduating student who “has provided especially outstanding service to the SIA community” through academic performance, classroom engagement, participation in extracurriculars, and general support for the school and its mission.

This year’s recipient was Mabel Proenza, whom Smith described as “an immensely positive force in SIA whose commitment strengthens our program and our community.”

Proenza has been an active contributor to SIA in many ways since beginning her studies in fall 2023. She was a student leader, serving as president of the SIA Student Government Association (SGA); worked as a teaching assistant and in a part-time position helping SIA staff; and dedicated time to organize and participate in many events. While at SIA, Proenza completed an internship with the U.S. Department of State.

SIA Graduate Spotlight: Lucero Rodriguez

Fulbright Fellow from Argentina
Concentrations: Data Analytics, Development Policy, and Human Rights
Capstone: Internship with Global Ties U.S. (Washington, D.C.)
Post-Graduation Plans: Lucero will begin an internship with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in the Organization of American States (OAS), where she will help promote and protect human rights in the Americas.

“My time at SIA was one of the best times of my life. I dreamed for several years to do a master’s degree abroad, but the program at SIA exceeded all expectations. At SIA, I made friends and lifelong connections, I shared my perspective and learned from others, I got jobs and internships, I visited international organizations, think thanks and embassies, I had amazing classes taught by top-notch professors, and most importantly I learned to see the world through different lenses. SIA gave me tools to move with confidence in any professional setting and in national, regional, and international platforms. Plus, an amazing alumni network of leaders across the globe.”

Graduation Speaker

Each year, a member of the SIA graduating class is selected to be the graduation speaker at the recognition ceremony. This year’s speaker was Jennifer Leedy, who graduated with a dual concentration in Human Rights and International Public Policy.

In addition to her studies at SIA, Leedy holds a full-time position in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, serving as the direct assistant to Dr. Douglas Wolfe, associate vice president for research and director of strategic initiatives. At SIA, Leedy served as the SGA cross-cultural communications chair for one year and as the treasurer for the SIA Black Student Association for two years. In the 2024-25 academic year, she supported incoming students as a peer mentor, guiding four first-year students through their transition into the program.

“My time at SIA has been truly transformative—both academically and personally. The program challenged me to think critically and equipped me with the skills and perspective needed to create meaningful change,” Leedy said. “What stood out most was the incredible sense of community. Collaborating with peers from around the world who share a deep commitment to service and leadership was both inspiring and empowering.”

To her fellow graduates, Leedy added, “I can’t wait to see what you accomplish next. Our journey doesn’t end here—we’re all still growing, evolving, and discovering. I hope we never stop learning, and never stop learning from each other.”

SIA provides an innovative education for the next generation of global leaders through its professional, hands-on, and interdisciplinary Master of International Affairs degree program. Its faculty includes internationally recognized scholars and seasoned former officials who focus on practical, experiential learning to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective to make a difference in the world. SIA graduates shape policies, drive innovation, and foster understanding across cultures. Learn more at sia.psu.edu.