Jolene Henrikson

spike the bulldog statue

2024 Award: Excellence in Arabic Award 
Major: International Studies
Hometown: Camano Island, WA
Extracurricular activities: I have been doing intramural volleyball and pickleball and I love to play tennis as well. I have also always been into the arts so I love to draw and paint. However, I spend most of my free time listening to music or reading.  

More about Jolene

Future plans:

My goal is to work in international aid and development. I plan on applying to work for an NGO in the Middle East as soon as I graduate. I have also considered going to graduate school and getting my PhD as well.

How has your major contributed to your professional or personal development?

Being an international studies major has given me the amazing opportunity to intern with the International Rescue Committee. I have loved working with Refugees this semester where I have learned so much about the refugee resettlement process, different cultures, as well as myself.

What has been your proudest or most significant accomplishment during your Gonzaga career?

I am very thankful and proud of this award but I also recently participated in a conference here on campus. I got to share the work I have done at the International Rescue Committee during my internship and talk to lots of people about refugees and resettlement.