International Celebration Highlights Iranian Culture & iCEP Graduates

The International Celebration during the Spring 2025 Commencement week welcomed international students and scholars, returned education abroad students, and global education graduates representing almost 50 countries around the world.

One prominent international student from Iran was student speaker for the International Celebration. Dr. Marzieh Dehghan-Chaleshtori followed President Rodriguez's encouraging, congratulatory opening remarks. Marzi — as she is known around campus — was this year's Celebration student speaker. She has been part of the UAlbany family since 2019 when she began her Master's in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology.

Having now successfully defended her dissertation for her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction this semester, Marzi plans to enter academia to continue her passion of research and teaching in higher education.  

During Marzi's UAlbany tenure, she was an orientation assistant and graduate assistant at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) as well as a graduate assistant at the Honors College. Marzi also presided as President of the Iranian Student Association representing more than 50 UAlbany international students from Iran.

At the International Celebration, Marzi not only offered inspiring words to other graduating/departing students and scholars, but also presented a colorful, traditional Iranian cultural performance.  

Her traditional manner of dress and dance featured the Iranian popular music and dance genre. Marzi described the music by saying, "The song I chose is by Moein (Nasrollah Moein Najafabadi), a beloved Iranian singer known for his powerful voice and timeless artistry. Moein is celebrated for blending traditional Persian music with modern pop elements, creating a rich, emotional sound that resonates across generations."

Marzi explained that her dance is "a personal expression of joy, memory, and cultural connection. Inspired by the emotional depth and melodic richness of Moein’s music, the choreography blends traditional Persian movements with a touch of contemporary flow."

The same way Marzi gracefully performed in front of an audience is similar to her leadership style. While she possesses strong communication skills combined with a collaborative work style, she may be best known by her colleagues for her positive attitude and welcoming smile. Marzi has also partnered on a number of projects and programs at ISSS where she has truly been a delight to work with and support. Join in wishing her and all of our graduating/departing students and scholars the absolute best in their future endeavors.

Another high point during the International Celebration was the recognition of iCEP Academy graduates; they were acknowledged for their great commitment to international education and the success of international students at UAlbany.  iCEP, a partnership between UAlbany and ICAway, is a cross-cultural training program for advisors, counselors and other working with international students at UAlbany.

iCEP graduates came from a number of campus areas, including the Division of Advancement, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Registrar's Office, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, Massry School of Business, University Auxiliary Services and University Police Department. Graduates of the program present at the Celebration were Rita Biswas, Brian Freidenberg, Jennifer Ho, Megan Sanzo and Michael Ramella.

Center for International Education and Global Strategy (CIEGS) graduate assistants and student assistants were also recognized for their outstanding service to CIEGS this past year: Taylor Doe, an Education Abroad student assistant returning next year as graduate assistant; Xiaowen Li, ISSS graduate assistant from China; and Fulbright student Nigorakho Jabbarova from Uzbekistan.