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A photo of a Western Illinois University student is one of four finalists in a cover photo contest for the Spring 2015 edition of the USCampus Guide published by the American International Education Foundation (AIEF). The 2014 photo of Xitong "Rebecca" Chen (Shanghai, China), a sophomore with a double major in art and journalism, shows her volunteering while on a Campus Students for Christ mission trip, in Juarez, Mexico.
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Dr. Rick Carter, executive director of Western Illinois University’s School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach; Xitong “Rebecca” Chen; WIU President Jack Thomas; and Jenny Knavel, art professor. Rebecca designed and created the portrait she is holding with Dr. Thomas. It took her 57 hours to complete.
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WIU Student Finalist in International Campus Guide Cover Photo Contest; Vote on Facebook thru Feb. 15

February 5, 2015

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MACOMB, IL — A photo of a Western Illinois University student is one of four finalists in a cover photo contest for the Spring 2015 edition of the "USCampus Guide" published by the American International Education Foundation (AIEF). The 2014 photo of Xitong "Rebecca" Chen (Shanghai, China), a sophomore with a double major in art and journalism, shows her volunteering while on a Campus Students for Christ mission trip, in Juarez, Mexico.

Western students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends are encouraged to "vote" for Chen's photo—by liking it on Facebook— as the photo with the most likes will be featured on the Spring 2015 cover of UScampus Guide. Voting continues through 7 p.m. (CT) Sunday, Feb. 15. Vote via the AIEF Facebook page at bit.ly/VoteChenWIU.

Last fall, Chen created a special gift for WIU President Jack Thomas—a portrait of him, which was the result of an assignment from one of her art/design classes (taught by WIU Art Professor Jenny Knavel). She spent 57 hours working on the piece, and she presented the work to him in December.

According to Chen, President Thomas and School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Executive Director Richard Carter were integral to her decision to attend Western.

"Although I thought Western was definitely a good choice for my college study, I was still struggling with the decision about where I should go, since I received several offers from other good universities in the U.K., Canada, Australia and in other countries," she explained. "I had this struggle until I met President Jack Thomas and Dr. Rick Carter in Shanghai when they traveled to China. After talking to them, I unhesitatingly decided WIU would be my university in the coming four years...."

According Cris Tsai, AIEF marketing coordinator, "UScampus Guide" features useful articles and information to help students succeed in their individual journies to study in the U.S. Thousands of copies are distributed free of charge each year via AIEF education fairs throughout Asia, as well as at advising centers and other locations in 15 countries (see www.aief-usa.org/services/guide.htm).

Read more about Chen's experiences as an international student at Western at wiurelations.wordpress.com/2014/12/16/intl-student-spotlight-chen/.

For more information, contact School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Assistant Director of Marketing and International Relations Christie Carmack at (309) 298-1929 or via email at CA-Carmack@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing