June 13, 2025

Bizhanova, Krastev Recognized as 2025 Penn Global Student Citizenship Award Winners

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University of Pennsylvania international students, Meruyert Bizhanova and Alexandar Krastev have been named recipients of the 2025 Penn Global Student Citizenship Award, which recognizes international students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to global citizenship during their time at Penn.

Bizhanova from Kazakhstan is a student at the Graduate School of Education who received the graduate student award, while Krastev from Bulgaria and a senior from the College of Arts and Sciences received the undergraduate award. Both were recognized for their dedication to supporting and advocating for international students through leadership and active involvement in key student organizations.

Three undergraduate students received honorable mention awards. Recipients included Manzi Hugues Mucyo, School of Arts and Sciences, Majd Ayyad, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Manya Gupta, School of Arts and Sciences.

International student leaders were also recognized for their contributions through their student organizations such as the Assembly of International Students (AIS), International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), International Student Table for Advocacy & Relations (ISTAR), and Penn World Scholars Program.

Students received their awards and recognition during the graduation reception for international students and their families, jointly organized by Penn Global and ISSS and hosted at Perry World House. The annual celebration commemorates the international students graduating class and was open to over 1800 students, their families, and friends.

“Penn’s Commencement, held on Monday, May 19th, recognized the graduation of over 2300 international students. That is a pretty amazing number and it’s pretty remarkable especially when you think back 40 years ago when less than 1% of Penn students came from overseas,” Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Ezekiel Emanuel, who provided remarks at the celebration.

Rudie Altamirano, executive director of International Student and Scholar Services, who also addressed the crowded World Forum, emphasized the significance of this milestone and successes of the graduating class.

“Today we honor not only their academic achievements, but the courage and resilience it took to leave home, navigate cultural and linguistic transitions, and overcome challenges along the way,” Altamirano shared.

This year’s graduating international students have demonstrated exceptional resilience throughout their academic journeys. From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and perseverance through shifting U.S. immigration policies, their ability to thrive in the face of such adversity underscores the strength of this class.

He also underscored the vital role these students play in enriching Penn’s global community and acknowledged the unwavering support of their families around the world.

“Their time at Penn represents more than a degree—it’s a testament to leadership, perseverance, and global citizenship,” Altamarino added. “As these graduates embark on their next chapters, ISSS remains committed to championing their continued success.”

This year, Penn Global and ISSS recognized the following individuals:

2025 Award Recipients:

Alexandar Krastev a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and is majoring in Economics and International Relations. He grew up in Sofia, Bulgaria but he attended an international school in the UK for three years. There he encountered many of the difficulties and challenges international students face – from traveling and logistics to integration and culture shock. Alexandar is passionate about bringing internationals closer together and has been on the organizational teams of many cultural events at his school aimed at highlighting the uniqueness of different cultures. He joined ISAB because he believes that the best way to aid international students in their academic and cultural journey at Penn and beyond is through advising and working with institutions to make lasting change. Apart from academics Alexandar likes hiking and discovering boutique coffee shops in Philly.

Majd Ayyad is a Penn World Scholar, student leader in the Intercultural Leadership Program (ILP), and graduating international student from Palestine. She serves as President of the Penn Arab Student Society and established a weekly gathering space for students affected by war and displacement, focused on dialogue and community support. Ayyad has collaborated with Penn administrators to provide feedback on student resources related to trauma and wellbeing. As a Perry World House Fellow, she partnered with the U.S. Department of State on a project examining the use of AI technologies in non-clinical HIV interventions in underserved regions of Africa. She was also selected as a member of the Sphinx Senior Society, Penn’s senior honor society.

Manya Gupta is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Economics and Political Science with a minor in International Development. Originally from Jaipur, India, she is a Penn World Scholar whose academic and extracurricular work centers on global health, international development, and public policy. At Penn, she serves as Co-Chair of the International Student Table for Advocacy and Relations and Undergraduate Chair of the International Student Advisory Board, where she has worked to advance support for international students. Gupta is also involved with the Penn Debate Society, the Philomathean Society, and works at the Center for the Advanced Study of India. Her global engagement includes research on cervical cancer in Botswana, public health internships in India, and participation in international seminars and debate competitions.

Hugues Mucyo is a senior at the University of Pennsylvania double majoring in Cognitive Science and Computer Science with a minor in Africana Studies. Originally from Rwanda and a Bridge2Rwanda scholar, he has been deeply involved in supporting international students and building community on campus. He served as President of the Society of African Internationals at Penn (SAIP), where he launched and expanded a peer mentorship program reaching nearly all incoming African students. A longtime Admissions Student Assistant, Mucyo has also participated in numerous international outreach panels, welcoming prospective students to Penn. His campus involvement includes research in cognitive science and physics, service at the Penn Office of Investments, and leadership in West African Vibe. Beyond Penn, he has supported educational and youth development initiatives in Rwanda. Following graduation, he will join Ernst & Young in Philadelphia as a Technology Consultant.

Meruyert Bizhanova is a master’s student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, pursuing a degree in Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership. As the President of GAPSA, she proudly represents her home country of Kazakhstan at Penn. As part of the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), Meruyert is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment where international students can find guidance, resources, and a sense of community. She is dedicated to amplifying their voices to ensure their experiences and perspectives are integrated into university policies and programs.

2025 International Student Leaders: