A global celebration at the spring 2026 ISSS graduation reception
June 25, 2026 Ford Johnson
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) hosted its annual graduation reception this spring at the Emory Conference Center Hotel’s Lullwater Ballroom. The reception served as an opportunity for graduating students to celebrate their academic achievement alongside their peers and family.
Many graduates were joined by friends and family who flew across the globe to join them for their graduation ceremonies, while others were accompanied by spouses and children who lived with them in Atlanta throughout their academic programs. Graduates and their guests enjoyed a buffet, performances, a lucky drawing for prizes and graduation portraits in their caps and gowns taken by a professional photographer.
Associate vice provost Shinn Ko kicked off the evening’s program with a welcome message, congratulating the graduates on all they had accomplished. She also encouraged students to continue to nourish all the relationships they formed during their time at Emory.
Following Ko’s remarks, attendees enjoyed a pair of performances. The first featured a dance by Aksharaa Korrakuti, a first-year undergraduate student from Mumbai, who performed an Indian classical dance style known as Kathak. Next, ISSS’ very own Amber Cordell, associate director for programming and support, serenaded the audience with a cover of Green Day’s “Time of Your Life.” Finally, graduating students had the chance to participate in a lucky draw game for various prizes.
Carter Cheng, a Master of Computer Science student, felt the event represented a unique opportunity for connection with fellow graduates. “I really appreciate Emory ISSS for organizing such a meaningful celebration for graduating international students,” said Cheng. “The reception made me truly feel a sense of belonging and what it means to be part of the Emory community.”
As the event’s formal program drew to a close, graduates continued savoring the moment by chatting and taking group photos with each other.
For many graduates, such as Seiichi Kamijo, a Master of Development Practice student from Japan, the experience was particularly memorable. “It was such a wonderful time to meet fellow international students from around the world and reconnect with familiar faces. It also meant a lot to attend with my wife and children, who have supported me throughout these past two years, and taking family photos together became a very special memory.”
Velourde Borgella, a graduate of the Bachelor in Nursing program from Haiti, also found the event to be impactful. “The reception was a truly special experience and a wonderful way to celebrate our graduation together. I really enjoyed the sense of community and the opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve all come as graduates,” said Borgella.
