100 Black Men Of West Texas
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CGU was honored to serve as the Platinum Sponsor for the 24th Annual 100 Black Men of West Texas’ Annual Scholarship Gala which was held on January 26, 2019 at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center at Texas Tech. A portion of CGU’s sponsorship will be used to fund college scholarships to local high school seniors.The local chapter of the 100 is one of the 117 global chapters of the 100 Black Men of America. In addition to providing scholarships, serving as mentors, and providing educational services to youth of all cultural backgrounds, the 100 advocates for health and wellness, economic development, and leadership development.

The School of Music at Texas Tech

Music in the Marche‍The School of Music at Texas Tech created a faculty-led study abroad program called Music in the Marche`. Under this program, students study opera in the summer in Mondavio, Italy. They are completely immersed in the Italian culture and even live with host families during their stay. In addition to opera training, the students also receive a crash course in the Italian language by learning to communicate with their host families.The Center has partnered with Music in the Marche for several years, providing scholarship funding to students toward their study abroad tuition. In 2019, the Center was proud to award funds that sponsored eight TTU students to participate in the 2019 session.  We look forward to our continued partnership with the School of Music!

Sowoon Arts & Heritage Foundation

Annual International Arts & Culture Symposium
The Center for Global Understanding is a proud and long-time supporter of Sowoon Arts and Heritage. Sowoon held their seventh annual International Arts & Culture Symposium in March of this year which featured lectures and demonstrations about Korean ceramics, traditions, and music. Sowoon exists to promote and provide diverse cultural programs and experiences to the community. This international symposium provides the public with opportunities to experience different cultures through various visual and artistic presentations. CGU is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event and the CGU board of directors greatly values this partnership with Sowoon which continues to provide cultural exposure and awareness for the citizens of West Texas.

International Student Outreach
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Francis Cobbinah
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CGU was pleased to congratulate Francis Cobbinah on his recently-obtained Chemical Engineering degree from Texas Tech University. Five years ago, Francis was a new international student from Ghana. His family had entrusted an agency in Ghana to pay his US tuition and were unfortunately scammed out of his tuition money. Francis was facing the very real possibility of deportation due to his inability to pay his tuition and enroll for his second semester courses - subsequently falling out of status on his student visa. CGU and departments at TTU stepped up and pooled resources to allow this young man continue his educational pursuits! Francis graduated on May 18, 2019. He came to thank the board in person for the impact we made on his life.Francis has been hired by Exxon and will be trained in the US for a year. He will then return to his home country and continue his work with Exxon from there! Francis not only brought a little piece of his world to West Texas, but he will go on to be an ambassador for West Texas in his home country. CONGRATULATIONS FRANCIS! Bringing the world to West Texas and West Texas to the world!