A Message from the Dean
William Reisinger
Each semester’s graduation ceremonies remind us that things are always changing here at the University of Iowa. So also at International Programs (IP). Talented and valued people leave our community while newcomers bring their fresh talents. Sometimes tragic events, such as June’s flooding, force us to make changes. IP staff are still busy reconfiguring summer programs and fall orientation activities due to the flooding. Thankfully, new people and a shifting environment are vital spurs to innovation. We pursue abiding goals most effectively by recognizing the value of change.
2008 has brought much change to IP as it pursues its abiding goal: to enrich the all aspects of the University’s mission by promoting knowledge of the world. One of the changes I find most exciting is that, as you will read in this issue, the University is giving the Center for Human Rights’s successful community reading program a key role in undergraduate education. To provide each year’s incoming students with a common, internationally focused intellectual touchstone is an inspired response to our students’ needs in the 21st century. The University’s academic leadership deserves credit, as do the staff, volunteers and community partners of the Center for Human Rights.
We have recently said goodbye to some of our friends and colleagues who have worked alongside us for many years. Tom Baldridge, executive director of the Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC) and the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC), is featured on the next page. Tom and his longtime assistant, Marianne Weiss, both retired this year. Thanks to Tom and Marianne’s dedication, both CIVIC and the ICFRC bring outstanding benefits to the University and the eastern Iowa public.
IP has also welcomed terrifically talented new staff. One is Tom’s replacement as executive director of CIVIC and ICFRC, Sharon Benzoni. Natasha Boland Wilson has joined the International Studies staff as a program assistant. The Office for Study Abroad has been expanded with the hire of Teresa Kout as the participant services coordinator and Sterling Bacher as an adviser. Tim Barker, Julie Pollock and Shannon Lizakowski have filled positions in the Office of International Students and Scholars. Lorena Gingerich recently joined IP as the human resources specialist.
This will be my last message as Associate Provost and Dean of International Programs. My current term has come to an end, and I am pleased that International Programs is strong and enjoying unprecedented stature within the University. I look forward to returning to the UI faculty in the Department of Political Science. It has been an honor to serve in this capacity and a delight to work with IP’s faculty, staff and constituents. IP is assured of excellent leadership from my successor, Downing Thomas, who brings exceptional qualifications to the position. I urge you to continue your support for International Programs and its important work. Private giving has been critical to IP’s best innovations—and that will not change.
~ William Reisinger
Associate Provost and Dean of International Programs