When computer science instructor Dr. Jeff Zhang knew he would attend a professional conference in Spain, he contacted International Advancement for advice. “Are there any BSU alumni in Spain I could meet,” Zhang asked?

The answer was an enthusiastic “yes,” thanks to the efforts of Jose Ruperez, MS’96, volunteer coordinator of BSU alumni in Spain. Himself a computer science graduate, Jose was the principal source updating the current address list of BSU alumni for an alumni gathering in Barcelona in 2002.

Zhang, also a BSU graduate, meet Ruperez on May 19 in Madrid, delivering BSU publications and a gift for Daniel, Jose’s son born March 8, 2003. Daniel has strong Cardinal roots, with his mom, Jennifer a 1996 BSU graduate and grandfather Paul Mitchell a recently retired BSU professor.

According to Zhang, meeting Ruperez in Madrid was helpful. “It was wonderful to meet a BSU alumnus in a city where I knew no one. Jose Ruperez took me for a nice dinner. He talked about his family, job and the traditional cultures in Spain. I told him what is new at BSU, specifically in the Department of Computer Science. He said that he might visit BSU in 2004. We also discussed possibility to establish some collaboration in the future. Jose is a manager for eSkye Solutions, a consulting firm with offices in Indianapolis, London and Madrid.  We both are so proud to be BSU alumni. Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Ruperez for his hospitality in Spain. I think that BSU International Advancement has done wonderful job in terms of building a bridge between BSU faculty and our overseas alumni. ”