University of Findlay International Students Welcome City of Findlay Mayor to the Classroom

University of Findlay international students involved in the Intensive English Language Programs (IELP) welcomed graduate and the Honorable Christina Muryn ’14, Mayor of the City of Findlay to campus. The goal of the talk was to educate students on the community they currently call home, while helping them to improve their English communication skills.

Muryn took time to talk with students about the city’s history, current projects, and future plans. She made an effort to educate students on how the city of Findlay operates with city council, taxes, flood mitigation efforts, and business growth. “I love hearing how the students have a different perspective of city government and government in the United States,” she said. Muryn also discussed the partnerships Findlay has with international businesses, and how her role as mayor has allowed her to travel around the world to advocate for the city of Findlay.

Muryn turned her focus from Findlay to the University of Findlay, talking with students about her role in working with the University of Findlay to build a mutual partnership between the city and campus. “Engaging the University students is critical to the strategic planning process and the future of our community. Making sure they recognize that we want them to be active community members, that we’re willing to make changes in our community to make them feel welcome, and that we want to hear from them is really important,” said Muryn.

University professor Kevin Cullen, M.A. works with his students to improve their English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to a point that they can enter graduate school. His goal with bringing the mayor in to talk with his students was two-fold. “With the mayor talking about Findlay’s past, present, and future, that means she’s using three types of grammar. This not only educates my students on the city they live in, but helps them improve their communication skills,” said Cullen. Cullen said he also hopes listening to Mayor Muryn talk about Findlay and everything that is being done within the community, will inspire his students to explore what the city has to offer.

For more information on the University of Findlay and its Intensive English Language Program, please visit their website.