Sylvana Airan arrived on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus for the first time in December 1978. She was an international student, and her first sight of campus was a far cry from what she had known in her native Pakistan.
Lincoln was in the grip of a Midwest blizzard, and the campus was blanketed in something she’d never seen before — snow.
That frigid December day was the beginning of her decades-long journey in understanding what it’s like for international students to arrive in Lincoln and replant their life here, far from the comforts and supports of family and one’s home culture.
This month, Airan is retiring after a 44-year career at Nebraska, where she’s been a central figure in helping international students. She is the primary lead of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources’ Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Rwandan students as well as program coordinator of the CASNR Global Hub. In her previous work with University Housing, she coordinated with a range of foreign countries including China, Saudi Arabia and Brazil in helping students make the transition to campus life.
A retirement celebration for Airan will be held 3-5 p.m. June 27 in the Arbor Suite in the Nebraska East Union. Those wishing to send congratulatory wishes or planning to attend the celebration are asked to contact Katie Forrest at kforrest3@unl.edu by June 20.
“(Airan)has been tirelessly devoted to students over her four-decades-long career with UNL, whether she was serving the campus community through University Housing or through her coordination of the CUSP program,” said Brianne Wolf, coordinator for Global Learning/Engagement at the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “It’s been a true privilege to work alongside her these last years and see her heart for students. She’s positively impacted probably hundreds if not thousands of students, but never fails to make one feel heard and individually cared for.”
U.S. students at the university generally can see family during holidays, and at graduation they have parties and welcome family. International students often don’t have those opportunities, Airan noted, so she works with university and community partners to provide the students with needed support.
“The hospitality by people in the Midwest is amazing,” she said.
International students, the same as U.S. students, experience emotional ups and downs during their college years, and it’s important to provide them with encouragement and reassurance, Airan said.
“I’ve told them that when they’re successful, I’m successful. When they’re blessed, I’m blessed.”
Airan’s life outside the university is an active, multi-dimensional one. She’s long been a standout in top-level table tennis competition in Nebraska’s Cornhusker State Games, and this summer she will travel to Pittsburgh to compete in the National Senior Games. Each year she heads a skillfully staged Passion play. (She was a theater major in her early years.)
A Bible verse provides her with particular inspiration: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The university and the Lincoln community have an enduring mission to continue the tradition of welcoming international students and helping them achieve positive experiences, Airan said.
“I’m very fortunate to have been part of UNL,” she said.
Well-wishes may be sent Airan at sairan1@unl.edu.
