On Sunday, September 10, the Alta Club in downtown Salt Lake City hosted an event introducing the new cohort of University of Utah’s USPCASW exchange students to the local Pakistani business community. The reception offered the students an opportunity to meet local leaders, network, and build connections. The event was organized by University of Utah biology professor and USPCASW executive committee member Pat Shea. Professor Shea encouraged the students to take advantage of the event. “Salt Lake has a vibrant Pakistani community. All our guests today are here to support you, to welcome you, and help you succeed in this program however they can.”

The reception included a series of brief remarks from local business leaders and a representative from the Pakistani consulate in Los Angeles. The consulate official reminded the student’s of what a great opportunity the program offered them. “You are some of the lucky ones. It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to study in the United States.” Exchange students Faris Ahmed and Human Tariq also spoke about their hopes for the program, and their initial impressions of United States and the University of Utah. “Everyone has been so welcoming,” Ms. Tariq observed. “There are many differences between the United States and Pakistan, as well as similarities. I think we have much to learn from one another.”