IB News

The Vietnam alums are graduates of an English language MBA program that Boise State ran in Vietnam from 1990-99, the first-ever internationally accredited MBA program conducted in Vietnam. There were 84 graduates of the program, many of whom now run their own successful companies or hold leadership positions in the private or public sector in Vietnam. “It’s great to see and feel ourselves part of the alma mater,” says Ha Nguyen, a 1997 graduate of the MBA program who has helped lead the chartering process and is serving as chapter president. The Vietnam alums have maintained ties with Boise State through former faculty, including Sabine Klahr, director of International Programs, and Nancy Napier, a professor of international business who headed up the Vietnam MBA program and still teaches courses in Hanoi once a year. “This is our first international chapter, so it’s very new for Boise State,” says Jennifer Wheeler, senior associate director for alumni relations at Boise State. The purpose of the chapter is to provide closer contact between the university and the Vietnam alums. But its formation could have other positive results, such as helping to bring Vietnamese students to Boise State and encouraging business between Idaho and Vietnam. “We were so impressed with the Vietnam alums’ energy, commitment, and the fact that many of them have become duespaying members,” says Mark Arstein, Boise State Alumni Association executive director. “We are happy to welcome this group of dedicated alumni into the Bronco network.” For more information about the Vietnam alumni chapter, visit alumni.boisestate. edu/groups/vietnam.asp.