< Back | A to Z Index | Search | Home
Staff
 | Joe RogersInterim Director 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
|
 | 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 managing their 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 am currently working on a Master of Science degree in College Counseling and Student Development at SCSU. 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 South Africa and several countries in Asia. Originally from Hastings, Minnesota; I enjoy living in St. Cloud with my husband, Nick, and our dog, Riley. In my free time (of which there is little at the moment!) 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 advise students about the great Study Abroad programs CSB|SJU have to offer. Stop by sometime to find out how Study Abroad can fit into your future. Contact me: (320) 363-5962
|
 | Sharon SchmittEducation Abroad Coordinator I have worked in the Office for Education Abroad for a really, really long time. In fact, I go back to when SJU had only the program in Salzburg, an exchange program in Japan and the program in France was being set up for the upcoming spring semester. CSB had a program in Germany and Spain.When I began working in the office, the only means of communication with the program director and students on the program site was by air mail letters, telephone or telegram. International Education has come a long way since then. I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful students and people. It has been very rewarding to play a part in making a semester abroad possible for students at CSB and SJU. Contact Me: 320-363-5590
|
 | 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
|
| 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 |
