Clinton Global Initiative University

SCSU and CGIU University Network

Clinton Global Initiative University

Clinton Global Initiative University is an organization affiliated with the Clinton Foundation in New York City. SCSU has been an official member of the CGI University Network since 2012.

Currently there are over 80 universities from around the world that are a part of this Network. President Earl H. Potter III has made a commitment to support aspiring students who make a Commitment to Action. These students are the future change agents of the world!

Commitments that SCSU Students Made

President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton hosted the eighth annual CGI U meeting from March 6-8, 2015 at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. The meeting brought together more than 1,000 innovative student leaders to make Commitments to Action in CGI U's five focus areas: Education, Environment and Climate Change, Peace and Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, and Public Health. Through the CGI University Network, The Resolution Project, and other opportunities, more than $900,000 was provided to select CGI U 2015 students to help them turn their ideas into action. Through the CGI U 2015 Commitments Challenge, student teams raised an additional $25,000 for their work.

Student attendees had the opportunity to attend plenary sessions, working sessions, and other special events covering topics across CGI U's five focus areas and allowing them to network with their peers, build skills, and identify potential partnerships. University representatives, topic experts, and celebrities joined students at CGI U to help them gain the skills and knowledge needed to take action on their commitments.

Click here to see 2015 SCSU student leaders and their commitments

2016 Commitment Makers

Mohammed Alnassar St. Cloud State University

I am 24 years old and was raised in Saudi Arabia. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Finance. I am an imaginative and ambitious individual who loves to achieve his goals. I believe in equality no matter how different peoples' cultures, religions and ethnicities are.

Karl Johnson St. Cloud State University

Karl grew up in the St. Cloud area and has invested many years into community development and local progress. He is assistant varsity boys soccer coach at Sauk Rapids - Rice High School, a supervisor and organizer at The YES Network, and a volunteer leader at Salem Lutheran Church's youth program, as well as a Social Work student at St. Cloud State University. In every endeavor, Karl is driven to create safe, encouraging, and empowering environments for students he encounters while advocating for social justice and building healthy relationships within and among his community. His work and leadership in the nonprofit sector has given him an opportunity to impact kids and their families through his daily work of coordination and directing the after school and summer programs.

Ismail Abukar St. Cloud State University

My name is Ismail and I come from a family of 12. I'm currently working on my business management major over at SCTCC. I plan on transferring my credits over to SCSU Fall of 2016.

I work/volunteer for a nonprofit organization YesNetwork. I work with kids from ages 6 to 18. Yes NetWork works in 22 other communities around MN. I run one of the sites (Swisshelm). At the site we run after school activities and support sessions. It includes helping the kids with their homework and personal issues.

Samera De Silva St. Cloud State University

I am 23 years of age, born and raised in Bahrain and currently pursuing my Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences at St. Cloud State University after having completed my Bachelor's degree in the same field.

Sennami Goziem St. Cloud State University

Sennami is a 4th year student at St. Cloud State University. Her major is Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Global Studies and Spanish. Her interest and academic pursuits stem from her diverse background. Goziem was born in London, UK to parents of Nigerian descent, once relocating to the United States, she began her academic career and life in Bronx, New York before relocating to several other states. Goziem's diverse background and love for travel and culture are what influence and shape who she is today.

Sharai K Sims St. Cloud State University

Karuna Paudel St. Cloud State University

Being from one of the most economically backward nation of the world, I got privileged to receive the education in some of the prestigious universities. I strive for change in the lives of those women and people where I can make them raise their voice for their upliftment and position in the society. As change takes time to comprehend, any part of the world we live in there is a choice, I believe in leading and securing our community for betterment and peace. My belief that I can bring forward all my lessons for the change that is much needed in any community that I live in, makes me an effective leader.