HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 15, 2018 – A High Point University family has generously made a $1 million endowment to sustain the study abroad programs at HPU.
Joe and Judy Norelli’s daughter, Lea, graduated from HPU in spring 2018. The Norellis wanted to give back to HPU after Lea’s impactful study abroad experience in Australia. The family’s gift will continue to support the study abroad opportunities for HPU students and Cottrell Hall’s Global Education Suite will be named the Norelli Global Education Suite.
“We are most grateful for the support of our parents and alumni, who value HPU’s God, family, and country focus and give generously to propel our educational programs forward,” said HPU President Nido Qubein. “The gift from the Norelli family will continue HPU’s mission to prepare our students for the world that it is going to be.”
In spring 2017, when Lea was a junior at HPU, she studied at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. During her time abroad, she hiked Kings Canyon which holds the Garden of Eden, celebrated Easter in Fiji where she learned how the country became Christianity-based and was able to celebrate ANZAC Day, an important holiday for Australians.
“By donating to High Point University’s study abroad program, we hope it will allow this program to continue improving students’ ability to fulfill their full potential by expanding their horizon through travel and international studies like what our daughter was able to experience,” says Joe Norelli.
Joe Norelli is the founder of 35 Technologies Group, an electrical equipment manufacturing company, based in Florida. The company began with an idea that revolved around the sacrifice military men and women make each day. The company manufactures and tests weaponry electronic systems focusing on the Department of Defense Aeronautical Field.
“I am truly grateful I was given the opportunity by both my parents and High Point University,” says Lea Norelli. “My parents saw how much of an impact studying abroad had on my life and observed the growth and gifts it brought to me.”
HPU’s Study Abroad program delivers educational experiences that enlighten, challenge, and prepare students to lead lives of significance in complex global communities by providing accessible international educational experiences aimed to meet students’ individual goals and develop their intercultural skill-set and providing international students with a living and learning community that provides an extraordinary academic experience in a “home away from home.”
Editor’s Note 1) The Norelli family joined HPU President Nido Qubein for a ribbon cutting at the Norelli Global Education Suite in HPU’s Cottrell Hall. The Norellis generously established a $1 million endowment to support the growing number of study abroad programs at HPU. Pictured from left to right are HPU President Nido Qubein, Andrew Norelli, Joe Norelli, Judy Norelli and Lea Norelli.