Student Success Stories
Maryna Storrs
As a young girl growing up in Sumy, Ukraine, Maryna Storrs ’02 experienced the collapse of the Soviet Union, which left many in her country, including herself, dreaming of coming to the United States to escape the political confusion and chaotic economy in Ukraine at the time.
Storrs’ dream came true when she won a scholarship from the Freedom Support Act program to come to the United States as an exchange student. At age 15, she experienced the American lifestyle while staying with a host family in Orem, Utah and studying democracy, American history and economics at Orem High School.
She returned to Ukraine a year later and attended International Christian University (ICU) in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, where she studied business administration.
After two years at ICU, Storrs’ former host family invited her to come back to Utah and recommended she continue her studies at Utah Valley University. She accepted their offer and moved back to Utah with a hope for a better future, which she felt would come from getting an American education.
At UVU, she studied business management and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree. She attributes her academic success to the tremendous support of the faculty, staff and her peers at UVU. Among other faculty members, she particularly appreciated Professor Eugene Seeley, who taught international business at the time. She also valued the caring staff of the UVU International Center who created a home-away-from-home for her.
The best part for me was probably getting to know people, not only Americans, but other international students on campus,” said Storrs. “There is so much to learn, ponder and experience when one is immersed in a different culture. It’s amazing how broad your mindset becomes once exposed to diversity.”
Storrs enjoyed her experience so much at UVU that she stayed to work as the program coordinator for UVU’s Office of International Affairs and Diplomacy, where she applies her education and cultural experience working with diplomatic dignitaries.
“Maryna Storrs sets the highest standard of diplomacy, efficiency and thoroughness,” said Rusty Butler, associate vice president of international affairs at UVU. “She interacts with heads-of-state, first ladies, ambassadors and other diplomatic dignitaries with aplomb and diplomacy which has won her their gratitude and praise.”
Storrs received her U.S. citizenship in March 2007, but remains an internationally-involved person. Apart from her job at UVU, Storrs also does volunteer work as a deputy-director of the Utah-Russia Institute and as an assistant to the Honorary Consul General of the Russian Federation.
Storrs resides in Orem, Utah with her husband and 2-year-old daughter.