Expanding opportunities through giving

A quick glance at any newspaper, magazine or news program reminds us of the importance of international education and global understanding in today’s increasingly inter-connected world.

Through study abroad, our students have the opportunity to expand upon their UI education by experiencing cultures other than their own and increasing their understanding of the world.

At International Programs, we believe that all UI students should have the opportunity to travel and study abroad, not only to become more familiar with other cultures, nations, views and beliefs, but to obtain a better understanding of their own culture, see the United States from a different perspective and take a closer look at where they come from in relation to where they are.

Unfortunately, not all students are able seek out study abroad opportunities. Now, many more UI students will be able to study abroad because of the generosity of one woman committed to international education and opportunities. Thanks to a $6 million gift to the University of Iowa Foundation from the estate of Ann U. Morse of Fort Myers, Fla. more UI students will be able to afford to expand their world by studying abroad.

The bequest creates and endows the Ann Morse Study Abroad Scholarships, which will enable the UI Office for Study Abroad to offer undergraduate study-abroad opportunities to UI colleges and student populations that have not widely participated in such programming.

Each year more than 1,100 UI students study abroad in some 50 countries, an experience the UI considers crucial as students prepare for careers and lives in an increasingly global society and economy. The Office for Study Abroad awarded more than $400,000 in need- and merit-based scholarships during the 2006-07 academic year.

The Morse gift will significantly increase existing financial aid and scholarship support for study abroad, allowing the university to award generous study-abroad scholarships to approximately 150 additional UI students each year. The gift allows for flexibility in awarding the scholarships and in responding to changing student interests and needs over time.

“We are excited to work with deans and directors across campus to use these resources to develop new study-abroad opportunities for their students,” said William Reisinger, associate provost and dean of UI International Programs. “Mrs. Morse felt it was important for students to spend time in other countries to broaden their perspective of the world. She has left an enduring legacy at the UI that will resonate for generations, and we are very grateful for her vision and generosity.”

Ann Morse died in 2006. Her husband, John H. Morse, who died in 2004, graduated with a B.A. degree in general studies from the UI in 1930 and went on to earn an M.B.A. degree from Harvard University and a law degree from Yale University. He and Ann were loyal and generous supporters of his undergraduate alma mater, giving more than $1 million to UI initiatives during their lifetimes. John was a founding member of the UI Foundation board of directors and won a distinguished alumni award from the UI Alumni Association in 1970. He was a partner at the New York City law firm of Cravath, Swaine and Moore, and was vice chairman of the board for National Forge Co. in New York City.

Janis Perkins, director of the Office for Study Abroad, said Morse’s gift will help students long after their study abroad experiences are over. According to Perkins, employers are seeking graduates that have international experience.

“Studying abroad not only helps in very obvious and tangible ways, like improved foreign language skills and familiarity with another culture, but studying abroad also makes students more self-relient, more independent, willing to take risks and accept challenges, and other qualities that are very valuable to students for whatever they’re going to do in life.”

Expanding opportunities through giving

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