The longstanding partnership between Niagara University and Foreign Trade University (FTU), one of Vietnam’s premier academic institutions, is being expanded through the launch of the Rich Products Scholar Program.
A new collaboration with global, family-owned food company Rich Products (Rich’s), the program strives to promote cross-cultural understanding, empower students from both institutions to develop global business skills, and create a pipeline of talented graduates.
The Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University, traveled to Vietnam in October to sign the memorandum of understanding launching the program and to celebrate the 45th anniversary of FTU. Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the Holzschuh College of Business Administration, and Dr. Chandra Foote, associate provost of graduate and international enrollment, accompanied Father Maher.
“This new collaboration with Foreign Trade University and Rich’s is a powerful testament to the value of global partnership and the shared vision we hold for our students,” said Fr. Maher. “The Rich Products Scholar Program is precisely the type of initiative that prepares students for the complexities of the modern, interconnected world. It promotes vital cross-cultural understanding and ensures that our graduates are equipped with essential global business skills and a clear path to meaningful careers.”
“As a global food company, we have a responsibility to help build a strong pipeline of future leaders who have the global fluency and real-world skills to make an impact,” said Richard Ferranti, chief executive officer, Rich Products. “This partnership with Niagara helps to do that by bringing together education, culture, and business in a powerful way. Students gain hands-on global business experience, learn alongside people from different cultures and build the skills that matter in today’s global economy.”
Under the new agreement, four students—two from Niagara and two from FTU— will be selected through a competitive application process to participate in the Rich Products Scholars Program. Those chosen will receive $5,000 in annual scholarship assistance over the course of their undergraduate studies at Niagara University. They may also opt to complete their MBA in one additional year and receive additional financial support. Students from FTU are eligible for financial assistance to assist with travel and housing costs.
“The Rich Products Scholars Program opens a remarkable door for our students,” said Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the Holzschuh College of Business Administration. “Scholars from both Niagara and FTU will choose a major from across our undergraduate business programs — accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, supply chain management, or our new multidisciplinary food industry management major — and earn a bachelor’s degree in that field and have the option to continue on for an MBA. Combined with mentorship from Rich’s leaders and a paid internship at a global company headquartered in Buffalo, it’s exactly the kind of experience that launches a meaningful career.”
The internship will take place during the summer following the scholars’ junior year.
The first student from Vietnam, Huy A. Pham, a native of Hanoi, began studying integrated business management at Niagara University this spring. Sal Pavia-Vicente, an incoming freshman from West Henrietta, N.Y., will begin at Niagara this fall as an integrated business management major.
Each scholar will be paired with a dedicated professional mentor from Rich’s for ongoing career guidance, industry insights, and networking opportunities. Previous agreements with FTU have paved the way for 30-40 undergraduate students from FTU to study at Niagara each year; facilitated the growth of Niagara’s 2+2 undergraduate programs in the colleges of Business Administration and Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management; and created opportunities for Niagara students to study at FTU’s campuses in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Quang Ninh; participate in internships in Vietnam; and for faculty and staff to participate in exchange programs.
