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Staff
 | Joe RogersDirector of Education Abroad Joe Rogers is a 1989 graduate of Saint John’s University and was a participant in CSB/SJU’s study abroad program in London. He received his M.A. in East Asian Studies at the University of Minnesota in 1993, after spending significant time studying, working and traveling in Asia. Rogers graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1998, where he served as Note and Comment Editor for The Journal of Global Trade and as a mentor for international lawyers in the Law School’s International L.L.M. program. After spending six years as a lawyer in private practice, Rogers returned to his alma mater to work with the Asian Studies Program. In this capacity, he worked closely with the Office for Education Abroad (OEA) in supporting and promoting CSB/SJU’s study abroad and exchange programs in Asia and led the May Term program to South China in 2006. Rogers joined the staff at OEA as Interim Director in July, 2007. Contact Me: 320-363-5952
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| Peggy RetkaEducation Abroad Advisor I started at OEA in September, 2007. Prior to joining the team, I spent 3.5 years at the Center for International Studies at St. Cloud State University, also managing study abroad programs. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Business Administration, with a concentration in International Business, from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. I completed my Master of Science degree in College Counseling and Student Development at SCSU in December 2008. Travel has been my passion since my first exposure to France when I was 15. Since then, I have traveled extensively throughout France and other areas of Europe; including a 10-month homestay experience with a French family. I have also visited Australia, India, South Africa and several countries in Asia (briefly!). Originally from Hastings, Minnesota; I now live in St. Cloud with my husband, Nick, and our dog, Riley. In my free time I try to take in the many outdoor activities that this area has to offer, including fishing and camping around the many lakes. At OEA I have two main roles: 1) Advising students about the great international opportunities CSB|SJU offers; 2)Managing the Australia, Austria, France, Greco-Roman & Roman-Greco, India, and South Africa programs. Stop by sometime to find out how Study Abroad can fit into your future. Contact me: (320) 363-5962
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 | Joy HemmeschEducation Abroad Advisor I joined the OEA team in July 2008. Previously, I have worked for the International Education Center at University of St. Thomas. While I was there I also received my M.A. in Leadership in Student Affairs. I also have a Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin-River Falls in History with a double minor in Political Science and International Studies. While there, I studied abroad for a semester with the Wisconsin in Scotland program just outside of Edinburgh. Prior to college, I started my love of travel with a high school trip to Germany where I stayed with a host family for a week and then travelled to different areas in Southern Germany. Growing up in the area, it is great to be close to family and friends. When I am not at work, I like to spend my time being on the lake, playing volleyball, biking, going to movies, or watching Twins baseball games. Here at OEA, I manage and advise eight semester programs including: Chile, China, Galway & Cork-Ireland, Japan, Guatemala, Spain, London (Fall & Spring), and External Consortium programs. Come into our office to see how you can fit study abroad into your time here at CSBSJU. Contact Me: 320-363-5590jhemmesch@csbsju.edu
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 | Merry HoppertOffice Coordinator I joined OEA in November 2007, having previously worked in the St. John’s Health Center for the past five years. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology and accumulated twenty years of experience in that field. So, with my medical background how did I end up working in the Office for Education Abroad? I give credit to my uncle for sparking my interest in travel to learn about other countries. When I was sixteen years old I traveled to Europe with my uncle who was an art teacher, and a friend. We went to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Florence, Geneva, and Berlin. We learned a little bit about everything while we were abroad. We returned home realizing there was so much more to learn. As a second year student at St. Olaf College, I took a theology course and studied abroad in the Rome program. It was intensive, truly a tremendous learning experience, and a time of spiritual growth. Several years after finishing my college education I moved to Hawaii, and lived and worked there for twelve years. Many fond memories come to mind as I reflect on Hawaii as a true melting pot of peoples, with their various customs, foods, and history. I currently live in Sartell with my husband, two children, a cat and a dog. We enjoy camping, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, biking, soccer and basketball. Contact Me: 320-363-5958 mhoppert@csbsju.edu
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| Student Employees: We greet students and faculty that come into the office; answer telephone calls; update bulletin boards; make copies for coworkers, study abroad brochures, flyers, etc. Sometimes, we get to design websites or brochures. We can help you find study abroad information, and we can help you check-out materials from our library. We answer basic questions about the study abroad programs, applications, passports, and passport photos. Also, we can show you how to fully utilize the Office for Education Abroad website. Contact Us: abroad@csbsju.edu |
