UNH Today

Marc Giudice ’23 had an opportunity to put his academics into action in New Hampshire this past summer – and get paid for it. That’s thanks to the Small Family Community Fellowship, a new university-wide opportunity established by COLA alumnus John W. Small ’76 (psychology major).

A political science and international affairs dual major, Giudice embarked on a marketing and administrative internship with Indonesia Community Connect, Inc. (ICC), based in Somersworth.

ICC serves as a bridge that connects Indonesian culture with communities in the surrounding area. Through events, programs and networking, the nonprofit establishes access to resources, facilitates mutual understanding among different cultures, and values and promotes the richness of Indonesian cultural diversity.

Giudice gave tours of the cultural center, communicated with business partners and undertook tasks like monthly email marketing, website updates, fundraising and point of sale operations for their gift shop. He met with mayors, mayoral candidates and even Governor Sununu.

“This internship was really helpful in understanding the local politics of the tri-city area and becoming more aware of the struggles that a lot of Indonesian people have gone through in the U.S.,” says Giudice.

The internship gave Giudice the on-the-ground perspective that allowed him to understand the specific issues the Indonesian community faces in New Hampshire, from culture shock to prejudice to economic barriers, which, he says, can be subtle, such as a lack of public transportation that impacts job opportunities. He spent much of his time assisting with initiatives that aim to break down those barriers and promote economic growth. One goal of ICC is to help Indonesian residents find good jobs that fit their needs.

When looking toward his own job future, Giudice says the internship changed his thinking: “I want to work in Latin America, but seeing how Indonesian immigrants suffer at times from the lack of access really changed my opinion on things like infrastructure, immigration reform and human trafficking.”

The Small Family Community Fellowship

Giudice was one of four students to receive the Small Family Community Fellowship this year, which provides opportunities for New Hampshire students to apply what they learn in the classroom to important needs at the local level.

“...we need to continue to help New Hampshire students, residents and legislators better understand just what a gem we have in UNH.”

Through paid positions with community organizations and businesses, these fellowships combine students’ academic pathways with service to enhance both student growth and the common good.

Small has worked to advance UNH and the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) for many years, from serving on the USNH board of trustees, including as its chairman for two years, to leading the search for UNH President James W. Dean Jr., to volunteering for various committees. This latest commitment is having a direct impact on student success as well as the vitality of New Hampshire communities.

“I decided to make a significant donation for a fund that aligns with President Dean’s strategic priority to embrace New Hampshire,” says Small, “because I believe that we need to continue to help New Hampshire students, residents and legislators better understand just what a gem we have in UNH.”