In spring 2024, leaders from Daffodil International University (DIU) in Bangladesh visited Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) and were inspired by PFW’s Honors Program. A chance meeting with Farah Combs, director of the program, led to an international academic partnership that is now shaping a new honors program overseas.
From Fort Wayne to Dhaka: A Global Academic Exchange
During a campus tour, DIU officials spent time with Combs at PFW’s Helmke Library, where she introduced them to the structure, benefits, and student success outcomes of the Honors Program. A few weeks later, Combs was asked to help DIU build a similar program. She agreed, joining Professor Ahmed Mustafa—a longtime partner of DIU and professor of biology at PFW—and Dean Ron Friedman on a June 2024 visit to DIU’s campus in Dhaka.
Launching DIU’s Honors Program in 2025
Since that visit, Combs has worked closely with DIU’s new honors director to implement best practices from PFW. She is scheduled to return to Bangladesh in July 2025 to celebrate the grand opening of the program.
“I’ve loved every minute of it,” Combs shared. “Having a highly regarded university working to model something we do speaks volumes about our campus, faculty, and students.”
A Signature Program with Global Impact
During a recent visit to PFW, DIU Chairman Sabur Khan, who also founded the university, praised the collaboration. “This will be one of the signature programs of our university. It will help students meet requirements for U.S. graduate programs,” Khan said. The visit followed Khan’s attendance at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis with 20 DIU delegates.
PFW Honors Program: A Model of Excellence
With over 400 students enrolled, the PFW Honors Program offers a dynamic academic environment, selective admission based on academic achievement, and unique learning experiences. Highlights include small-group discussions, exclusive seminars, and access to speakers through the Omnibus Speaker Series.
Longstanding Ties with DIU
Professor Mustafa was honored by DIU in 2022 as “A True Friend of Daffodil International University.” DIU also named the Tazkera and Golam Mustafa Center for Teaching & Learning after his parents, inspired by PFW’s Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.