The degrees earned by University of Houston students unlock countless personal and professional opportunities. This fall, more than 4,000 Coogs are discovering this fact following UH’s recent commencement exercises.
Some UH students, however, are augmenting their degrees with an added credential that will enhance their value to future employers, as well as international communities.
UH’s Institute for Global Engagement continued its end-of-year tradition in 2025 by presenting Global Citizen Credentials (GCCs) to students. These credentials are indicative of Cougars’ commitment to thriving in an increasingly international academic and professional landscape. Students completing the requirements for the GCCs engaged in academic and co-curricular activities that enhanced their global competencies.
Among this year’s GCC recipients are students who are already bound for international careers and academic experiences. The small but mighty fall 2025 GCC cohort includes Lumine Garcia, an aspiring foreign service officer and a future grad student at Australia’s University of Queensland.
Garcia became interested in expanding her knowledge and talents as a Global Citizen after meeting Amb. Michael Pelletier (retd.), founding executive director for IGE. This fall, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Chinese Studies from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. During her time at UH, she embarked on a Learning Abroad experience in Taiwan.
At UH, she applied her talents to supporting her fellow Coogs, particular those from China who did not have an instant grasp of the English language. This was just one of the many on-campus experiences that supported her evolution as a Global Citizen. Now, she’ll apply what she learned as a Global Citizen to her graduate studies in Australia.
“The Global Citizens Credential further solidifies my involvement with global engagement,” she said. “It’s helped me in many ways and will be an asset as I eventually pursue a career in Foreign Service.”
Her fellow GCC recipient Zach Patton also has gained significant experience that will advance his professional and academic trajectories. Patton graduated this fall with a bachelor's degree in marketing from the C. T. Bauer College of Business and completed Learning Abroad journeys to Spain, France and Germany.
It was while Patton was in Spain that he learned about the GCC and it seemed like a natural fit for his professional goals.
“The credential essentially supports everything I’ve done. It checks off everything I’ve done at UH and places a stamp on those experiences,” he said.
Patton and Garcia two of the eight GCC recipients this fall. In spring 2025, 23 students
earned this credential.
The Global Citizens Credential (GCC) closely aligns with the Institute for Global
Engagement’s mission to expand global citizenship on campus through strategic partnerships
across the university and within the broader community. The institute currently collaborates
with UH colleges and departments, as well as with universities around the world. Led
by Ambassador Michael Pelletier (Ret.), the Institute for Global Engagement is housed
in the Office of the Provost and plays a key role in advancing student success.
In addition to supporting the GCC, the institute leads and supports initiatives such as International Education Week and Learning Abroad programs and assists students in applying for and earning prestigious awards, including the Fulbright and Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships.
This fall’s Global Citizen Credentials by the numbers:
7 - Countries Experienced: Taiwan, Ecuador, Spain, France, Germany, UK (Wales), and
South Korea
10 - Majors Represented: Chinese Studies, Anthropology, World Culture & Literature, Biology,
Marketing, English, Psychology, Political Science, Public Policy, and Supply Chain
& Logistics Technology
3.574 - Average grade point averafge
The GCC reflects the best of what the University of Houston offers—a campus that serves
as a global classroom and a launchpad to the world,” said UH Director of Global Engagement
Maggie Mahoney. “This year’s students represent multiple colleges, majors, languages,
and countries of travel, demonstrating how global competence is developed both here
at UH and far beyond.”