International Student Services

Meet the Staff

Michael J. Fekete
Director
(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
Graduate Assistant
(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.

Albert Escanilla
escanial@lewisu.edu

Hello, my name is Albert D. Escanilla. I am currently a junior seeking a double major in Theology and Psychology. I am originally from the Philippines but moved to Chicago when I was ten years old.

I was looking for a quaint middle size university which emphasizes a lot of personal growth and Lewis University had the perfect criteria.

International Student Service (ISS) is a wonderful program in Lewis University which facilitates and accommodates all International Students from 30 different countries. Some of my experiences working for International Student Service had been awesome. I enjoy interacting and sharing other experiences with international students, (remind me of back home.)

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