St. Norbert College and Universidad Panamericana Formalize New Partnership
De Pere, Wis. (10-27-2023) – St. Norbert College welcomed a delegation from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico on Thursday, Oct. 26, to solidify a new partnership between the two institutions. The Universidad Panamericana delegation included representatives from the Aguascalientes Campus: Antonio de los Reyes Moreno, Rector; Ramiro Velázquez Guerrero, Vice-Rector, Research; Jorge Enrique Perez Mar, Dean of the School of Business and Economics; and Vanessa de Alba, Director of International Affairs.
The collaboration between St. Norbert College and Universidad Panamericana aims to foster short-term programs for Universidad Panamericana students, provide English as a Second Language instruction for Universidad Panamericana faculty and staff, offer Global Seminars for St. Norbert College students, encourage joint faculty research, and establish student exchange programs.
Universidad Panamericana is a renowned private Catholic university in Mexico with three campuses in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Aguascalientes. The university is known for its selective admissions, influential alumni network, and strong Catholic foundation. The Aguascalientes campus, in particular, excels in business, law, hospitality and tourism, and engineering.
This partnership is particularly significant for St. Norbert College as it broadens its international presence while aligning with Universidad Panamericana’s Catholic tradition, commitment to academic excellence, and holistic student success.
“This partnership is a milestone in the effort to diversify and expand SNC’s international partnerships,” said Gail Cornelius, executive director for global engagement at St. Norbert College. “Through this collaboration, we have already launched exciting opportunities for students to study abroad in Mexico and for faculty to engage with their peers in new and meaningful ways.”
The partnership between the two institutions began in 2021 when St. Norbert College sought international collaborators in Mexico. In fall 2022, St. Norbert College received a $35,000 grant from the U.S. State Department’s IDEAS program to develop Global Seminar opportunities in collaboration with the Universidad Panamericana–Aguascalientes Campus.
The inaugural Global Seminar will be held in January 2024, focusing on business case competitions.
St. Norbert College has already sent one student on an exchange basis to Universidad Panamericana for the fall 2023 semester, where she is majoring in Spanish and education. Seven students, under the guidance of St. Norbert College professors Joy Pahl and Alexia Lopes, will embark on a similar journey to Aguascalientes in January 2024, thanks to the IDEAS Grant. This program is expected to continue in the years to come, promoting deep engagement with Universidad Panamericana students.