International Student Services

Meet the Staff

Michael J. Fekete
Director
Skype: michael.j.feketr
(815) 836-5549
feketemi@lewisu.edu

Michael is excited to be at Lewis, himself a product of a Lasallian high school education in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He has been involved in international education for over 10 years. He is thankful for his training at the internationally-diverse University of Pittsburgh in both international education exchange and study abroad. He draws from his multiple experiences in student affairs, immigration and academic advising from Pennsylvania State University, School for International Training, The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), Kaplan Inc., and most recently Moraine Valley Community College here in Chicago.

Having been an international student himself in Hungary and Scotland, his academic background includes studies in rhetoric and east European history at the University of Pittsburgh, specialization in conflict resolution at the University of Glasgow’s Institute for Russian and East European Studies and completion of Master’s degree coursework in Educational Exchange at the School for International Training. He is presently completing a graduate certificate in pastoral studies from St. Xavier University before finishing his Master’s in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union.

He presently lives on the southwest side of Chicago and enjoys spending his time as co-music ministers and traveling with wife Mary Jo and coaching his son Justin.”

Andre Siffert
International Recruitment & Student Services Counselor
Skype: andressiffert
(815) 836-5635
sifferan@lewisu.edu

Country of Birth: Brazil

Local: Rio de Janeiro

Studying: Master of Business Administration concentration in Finance and International Business

Being at Lewis: I have been at Lewis University for 5 years. Lewis University is my home away from Brazil. The University helps me to develop a strong academic skill as well my decision making ability. In addition, all the professors, staff, and faculty always were supportive for my carrier development.

Working in ISS: I love my job. The International Student Services were the beginning of my life in the United States. I have been working at ISS for 4 years; I had passed thru many circumstances during my studies at Lewis University; the ISS always help me with immigration procedures and culture adjustment. I decided to working in ISS because I know what it is reality for an International Student. I was helped to be adjusted to the American system so now it is my time to assist all the International Students.

Katrina Sandona
sandonka@lewisu.edu

My name is Katrina Sandona, I grew up in Illinois USA. I came to Lewis University in 2006 majoring in Nursing. I chose Lewis because It has a great nursing program and it is only 10 minutes from home.

I liked Lewis because of the small campus size and the school just felt right to me. I started working at International Student Services in 2007 after hearing Mike talking about ISS to the Peer Ministers.

The program is really interesting because I get to learn about different cultures. Interacting with the International students always excites me because I love to hear about the different cultures and ways of life.

 

Tran Ha Phu
Country: Vietnam
Major: Master of Science in Finance
Skype: phu.ha.tran
E-mail: tranphu@lewisu.edu
Phone: 815-836-5017

My name is Tran Ha Phu. I am from Vietnam. Certainly, Vietnamese is my mother tongue and I speak English as well. Now, I am studying MSF program at Lewis University. At the time when I was looking for a university for my graduate education, I had found out and chosen Lewis. Lewis is not a large university but it has a nice campus with small classes so that I would have chance to communicate with friends, professors and faculties who are very friendly. That was one of the reasons, why I decided to work at International Student Services. The other reason was I want to connect and help international student who have to face some obstacles when studying abroad. I hope, after the time working at ISS, I will be able to improve my abilities and have opportunities to help and meet students from all over the world.

 

Lorenz Pestinger
Country: Germany
Major: Business Administration and Marketing
Skype: lorenz.pestinger
E-mail: lorenzpestinger@lewisu.edu>
Phone: 815-836-5017

My name is Lorenz Pestinger and I am originally from Germany. I am fluent in my native language German as well as in English. Moreover, I am able to write and reply to e-mails in French and Spanish. Currently, I am an undergraduate student at Lewis trying to double major in both, Business Administration and Marketing.

I decided to work in the International Student Services, as it is a great opportunity to strengthen the international community at Lewis University and to get into contact with students throughout the entire world, which are interested to receive a quality education close to Chicago. Also, as a student worker in the ISS I can help to achieve a higher international student enrollment and to make communication between school and students as well as organizations more efficient. Further, I want to give students the same feeling I had when I walked into the office the first time: I felt very welcome and was not afraid to express questions or concerns of any kind.

 

Sz-Yi Wu
Country: Taiwan
Major: Aviation Administration
Skype: beninajue
E-mail: szywu@lewisu.edu
Phone: 815-836-5017

My name is Sz-Yi Wu and I am originally from Taiwan. I know Mandarin, Taiwanese and English.

When I first arrived at Lewis University, I was thinking to do Art and Design as my major but now I decided to study in Aviation Administration here at Lewis University. The reason I selected Lewis University included many reasons. First, my brother is studying in Illinois and I can be close to him. Second, I have been to Chicago City last year. Chicago City is beautiful and I enjoy its architecture. I love it! Third, Lewis University is located in the suburbs, 30 minutes drive to Chicago. The location is convenient and the school is close to Chicago. In addition, the campus is peaceful where I can concentrate and focus on my academic studies.

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