Meet Our Students: Phil Benusa and Kalue Her

Phil Benusa, the chair of the Asia Club, is a senior International Business major and an Asian Studies minor at CSB/SJU. Kalue Her, the co-chair of the Asia Club, is a senior Communication major and also an Asian Studies minor. Together they bring remarkable leadership and commitment to the Asia Club at CSB/SJU.

Both Phil and Kalue expressed that the Asian Studies Program at CSB/SJU had not only cultivated their appreciation and passion for Asian Culture, but also had an impact on their graduation and career plans. Phil said that the Asian Studies Program and his study abroad experience in China helped him to reconfirm his interest in the East Asian, an interest he developed during his six-year of residence in Hong Kong. Devoted to engaging in Asian-related work, Phil is applying to the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships which will allow him to study Mandarin while also conducting community service in Taiwan. He is also planning to teach English in China through the Maryknoll program.

For Kalue, participation in the Asian Studies at CSB/SJU made her want to learn more about Asian cultures and to travel more in Asia. It also fueled her desire to seek deeper understanding of the Asian American experience. The Asian Studies Program has influenced her both mentally, by exposing her to various wonderful courses, and physically, by involving her in various organizations, such as Asia Club, which make her actively promote Asian culture and diversity awareness on campus. However, Kalue hopes that the program continues to expand and that there will be more courses offered in the future.

When speaking of the Asia Club, Phil expressed that being the Chair, though time consuming, is rewarding and has enriched his college life. He is currently busy preparing for a big project, the Asian New Year, which will take place in late January. He is confident that the Asian New Year will be a great success and that all of the hard work by so many people will surely pay off.

Kalue was very humble when asked about her contributions to Asia Club. She said she feels privileged to serve the members of Asia Club, who are really the ones that keep the club going. Kalue also said that she is honored to have worked with three amazing leaders, Phil Benusa (Chair), Tenzin Tsomo (Treasurer), and Chimme Dolkar (Secretary); to be guided by the ever-caring Addy Spitzer, Asia Club’s adviser; and to serve the members who are the purpose of the club. Kalue said that her four years at CSB/SJU have been wonderful, and it saddens her that she will be graduating soon. The people above, Phil, Tenzin, Chimme and Addy all taught her the meaning of working with both passion and compassion, and Asia Club gives her the purpose and drive to be a leader.

Last updated on 02/07/2006