12 Warrington students receive awards from UF International Center

Twelve students from the Warrington College of Business were honored with awards from the University of Florida International Center (UFIC) on November 16.

Hae Jin So received the Outstanding Master’s/MBA International Student Award, a campus-wide award recognizing an exemplary international student.

Eleven students received the Certificates of Outstanding Achievement. Both awards recognize international students who meet exceptional academic achievement and display a wide range of commendable accomplishments and contributions.

The recipients of the Certificates of Outstanding Achievement are: Luxi Cao, Fernando Lopez-Ocon, Maria Peralta, Yingying Zhang, Leonardo Ting, Almas Khamza, Alejandra Mejia, Charline Pommeret, Taif Alshemmeri, Jing Lu and Xinyu Zang.

Luxi Cao is a marketing student.

Fernando Lopez-Ocon is studying information systems, in addition to his studies in economics.

Maria Peralta is studying finance.

Yingying Zhang is earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

Leonardo Ting is studying information systems.

Almas Khamza is earning a master’s degree in international business.

Alejandra Mejia is earning a master’s degree in information systems and operations management.

Charline Pommeret is earning a Master of Business Administration degree.

Taif Alshemmeri is earning a master’s degree in entrepreneurship.

Jing Lu is a Ph.D. candidate in finance. Lu was also nominated for the Outstanding PhD International Student Award.

Xinyu Zang is a Ph.D. candidate in information systems and operations management.

Hae Jin So is looking forward to graduating with two master’s degrees next spring. She has already completed the coursework for her MBA and is in her second semester of the MS-ISOM program. So decided to pursue both degrees based on her prior work experience.

After working for nine years, So realized the benefit of specializing on both analytic and leadership skills.

Hae Jin with Carly Escue, Director of Graduate Business Career Services.

“Working at both corporate and start-ups, I learned how technical and analytical skills are as powerful as soft skills,” she said. “As an international student, obtaining a STEM-accredited degree on top of an MBA seemed like a plus, helping my career transition to the U.S. job market.”

So is on-track to accomplish her academic goal, graduating in just three years, and on her way to achieving her professional goals, as well.

“My short-term professional goal is to serve as a business translator who acts as a bridge between business and technical and data teams, utilizing all the skillsets I learned from business school,” she said. “My long-term goal would be to become a successful leader in my industry.”

Of her many academic achievements, So is most proud of receiving the Matherly Scholar Award earlier this year. She considers this an especially high honor, as the award was given to her by her peers.

“The graduating MBA class votes for the MBA student who made the most significant contribution to the program, excelled in the classroom, displayed outstanding academic achievement and leadership abilities that earned respect from peers,” she said. “As our MBA program is filled with so many bright individuals, I did not expect to receive such an honorable award. I am so fortunate to be a part of this incredible cohort.”

Hae Jin and her husband Jaemoon.

In addition to being commended by her peers, So was also recognized to stand out across the campus for her academic excellence. Upon receiving the campus-wide Outstanding Master’s/MBA International Student Award, So thanked those who have supported her along the way.

“I’m truly humbled to receive the Outstanding Masters and Professional Award,” she said. “I am deeply honored for this recognition I have received for my work. My entire journey at UF has always been a learning experience, and I have been fostering professional and personal growth.”

So’s fellow Gator and husband, Jaemoon Lee, has been an especially meaningful supporter in her life. When their son, Liam, was born this fall, So wouldn’t have been able to go back to school right away without his help.

Finally, So expresses her appreciation to her the university.

“My huge appreciation goes to my nominator and career advisor, Carly Escue, for her unwavering effort and caring ever since I joined UF,” she said. “She will always be my career advisor, mentor, role model and sweet friend. Many thanks to Jason Ward, the Warrington College of Business committee and the UF International Center committee for selecting me from among so many talented students across 16 colleges.

“And thanks to all my friends, colleagues and professors for your continuous support.”