Ceremony celebrates achievements and perseverance of Intensive English Program graduates
Success does not happen by accident, said Christ Zola, a recent graduate of EMU’s Intensive English Program (IEP).
“Behind every achievement, there are often sacrifices that people never see,” he told a crowd of families, friends, students, and supporters gathered at Martin Chapel for IEP’s graduation ceremony on Wednesday. “There were times when I cried and asked myself, ‘Was all this really necessary?’ There were other times when I struggled to keep my eyes open in class because I hadn’t slept the night before.”
“But today, I stand before you as proof that perseverance works,” he continued. “Keep believing, keep working, and keep moving forward. Never give up, because your breakthrough may be closer than you think.”
Zola was one of 15 graduates from the IEP’s spring and summer 2026 semesters recognized at the ceremony last week.
The IEP helps English language learners from all around the world find their voice and build a better life for themselves. In a typical semester, the program has 60 to 80 students representing 15 to 20 different countries.
Graduates of EMU’s Intensive English Program share their perspectives at last week’s ceremony.
The graduates received certificates of completion and stoles bearing the flags of their home country. Many shared perspectives from their time in the program, expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement they received from family members, friends, classmates, and teachers, and reflected on how the skills they acquired will serve them throughout their lives.
Sahar Malkzai, a spring IEP graduate, described the happiness she felt having completed the program. “This is my first achievement that I got in the United States,” she said.
“You didn’t just teach us English,” she told her teachers. “You gave us confidence and motivation. Your education has truly changed our lives, and I will always be grateful for everything you have done for us.”
Ezatullah Yousofzai, a summer IEP graduate, thanked his teachers for their support, patience, and guidance, and for believing in him and his classmates throughout their journey. “As we graduate today, let us remember that every lesson, every challenge, and every teacher has helped shape who we are,” he said.
Another summer graduate of the program, Mohammad Anway, said he can now understand English well, speak it fluently, and read and write it with confidence. “We are sure this great achievement will have a positive impact on our future careers,” he said.
IEP Office Coordinator Kris Long drapes a stole over a graduate’s shoulders.
LEFT: Jeremy Samsoe, director of the IEP, presents a certificate of completion to a graduate. RIGHT: Graduates pose for a photo following the ceremony.
Jeremy Samsoe, director of the IEP, remarked that this was the most graduates the program had ever honored at a single ceremony. “We’ve never had a stage quite so full before,” he said. “This is wonderful.”
As he projected images of Ellis Island and his great-grandfather, Nicholas Samsoe, who immigrated to the United States from Germany by boat, he spoke about how similar Nicholas’ life was to those of many students in the IEP.
“He came to this country and had to start over a lot of his life,” Samsoe said. “He spoke a language other than English, he spoke German, and his life as a child was very, very different from the life of his own children.”
“I want to remind you that what you do and who you are as an individual will be remembered by your children, by your grandchildren, and by your nieces and nephews,” he told the graduates. “And your life will influence and shape the lives of even your great-grandchildren or great-nieces and nephews who may never meet you.”
Fifteen graduates of EMU’s Intensive English Program were recognized at Wednesday’s ceremony.
LEFT: Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs, offers her remarks to the graduates. RIGHT: A celebratory potluck meal was held after the graduation ceremony.
Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs, encouraged the graduates to continue learning, asking questions, and building bridges wherever they go. “This is not the end,” she said. “This is the start of something new, something great, and something beautiful.”
EMU has three core values: academic excellence, peace and justice, and active faith. “And each of you represents those three core values in distinct and unique ways,” Willingham said. “It is because of your desire not just to learn a new language, not just to create more opportunities for your families, but also to make a difference in your life and in your community that you are a demonstration of who we are at EMU at our core.”
For more information about EMU’s Intensive English Program, visit emu.edu/iep.
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