"We can make Africa better. There is much work to be done and I want to do my part."--Patrick
Proud Member of AASU Class of 2007 and 2008
Major: Biology (B.S. 2007) and Master of Arts in Liberal and Professional Studies (2008)
Why did you choose AASU: I came to AASU to visit my brother who was here at the time. I liked the campus environment; the area and the school seemed a very good fit for me.
What do you love about AASU: The overall experience has been very rewarding and positive, from the friendships with teammates to the support that the faculty members have shown me.
A towering figure with a 6-foot-6 frame, Patrick found a home in the Pirate's basketball squad and wore the number 40 jersey for four seasons, helping the Pirates to a 17-11 record in 2008. Athletic scholarships made it all possible. Along the way, his heart's desire has not wavered: to return to Africa and provide service to his country.
"I want to help my country. We can make Africa better. There's much work to be done and I want to do my part."
For now, he is continuing to prepare and lay the groundwork so he can meet his life's goals. The son of two medical doctors serving in Burkina Faso, Patrick is now enrolled in the Ph.D. program in microbiology and cell science at the University of Florida. His focus of research is in an area that could greatly benefit his country and the world; he is helping to advance work on a vaccine that someday will turn the tide on the AIDS pandemic.
He is thankful for the support he received at AASU. In particular, he remembers his biology advisor, Dr. Jennifer Zettler, who was always willing to lend an ear or extend a hand.
"I'm grateful for what has happened to me here in this country, for the people I've met and the opportunities I have had. I will always be grateful for that."
As gentle and calm as he is tall, Patrick offers a word of advice to anyone willing to listen: "Always remember what you want to accomplish and lead your life in that direction."
His family and his country will be blessed to have him back.
Patrick Sanou
Hometown: Ouagadougou, Burkina FasoProud Member of AASU Class of 2007 and 2008
Major: Biology (B.S. 2007) and Master of Arts in Liberal and Professional Studies (2008)
Why did you choose AASU: I came to AASU to visit my brother who was here at the time. I liked the campus environment; the area and the school seemed a very good fit for me.
What do you love about AASU: The overall experience has been very rewarding and positive, from the friendships with teammates to the support that the faculty members have shown me.
Yearning for Home
A yearning to go back home and help tugs steadily at the heart of Patrick Sanou. The Burkina Faso native received a B.S. in biology and an M.A. in Liberal and Professional Studies from AASU. He has been studying in the U.S. since 2003, having attended community college in Arizona prior to enrolling at AASU a year later.A towering figure with a 6-foot-6 frame, Patrick found a home in the Pirate's basketball squad and wore the number 40 jersey for four seasons, helping the Pirates to a 17-11 record in 2008. Athletic scholarships made it all possible. Along the way, his heart's desire has not wavered: to return to Africa and provide service to his country.
"I want to help my country. We can make Africa better. There's much work to be done and I want to do my part."
For now, he is continuing to prepare and lay the groundwork so he can meet his life's goals. The son of two medical doctors serving in Burkina Faso, Patrick is now enrolled in the Ph.D. program in microbiology and cell science at the University of Florida. His focus of research is in an area that could greatly benefit his country and the world; he is helping to advance work on a vaccine that someday will turn the tide on the AIDS pandemic.
He is thankful for the support he received at AASU. In particular, he remembers his biology advisor, Dr. Jennifer Zettler, who was always willing to lend an ear or extend a hand.
"I'm grateful for what has happened to me here in this country, for the people I've met and the opportunities I have had. I will always be grateful for that."
As gentle and calm as he is tall, Patrick offers a word of advice to anyone willing to listen: "Always remember what you want to accomplish and lead your life in that direction."
His family and his country will be blessed to have him back.
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