2005 Archived News
December 2005
December 1
Press-Citizen
Students write about coming to U.S.
Four UI international students were honored when they wrote winning essays in the first “Coming to America” Essay Contest sponsored by OISS.
December 1
Gazette
Student’s husband charged with series of beatings
Shujun Yang, a UI student’s husband, faces 11 assault charges stemming from a series of beatings on her over a period of seven months.
December 1
Press-Citizen
Fulbright sends 3 faculty members to South America
Three faculty members in the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Rudi Colloredo-Mansfield, associate professor of anthropology, Laura Graham, associate professor of anthropology and T.M. Scruggs, associate professor of music, have won Fulbright Scholar grants for the 2005-06 academic year.
December 8
Press-Citizen
Poet available to speak
Mani Rao, an Indian poet who lives in Hong Kong, will serve as the 2006 UI International Programs Writer-in-Residence.
December 8
Daily Iowan
Professor lauds workers’ group
Marcella David, the UI’s interim director of Opportunity at Iowa and a law professor, didn’t know what she was getting into when the offer of a free trip to New York enticed her to attend the inaugural meeting of the Worker Rights Consortium.
December 8
Gazette
International effort
Atta Gebril left Egypt to earn his doctorate at the University of Iowa partly because of the golden reputation American higher education enjoys abroad.
December 9
Press-Citizen
Groups cater to thirst for world knowledge
Two programs offer in-depth discussion of international events and relations through speakers on specialized subjects: the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council and the Council for International Visitors to Iowa City, both open to the community from UI International Programs.
December 12
Daily Iowan
Grad student keeps pushing for quake aid
Two months after the South Asia earthquake killed at least 87,000 in Pakistan and India, with the vast majority in Pakistan, UI graduate student Amina Mahmood continues to be haunted by the disaster.
December 15
Press-Citizen
Graduating international students to hear about their enrichment
Carlos Serrato, assistant director of the UI Office of Student Life, will speak to graduating international students about “enrichment” at the International Programs Graduation Reception and Celebration from 10 a.m. to noon Friday in the International Center Lounge.
December 16
Daily Iowan
Found in translation
When graduating senior Marc Brandt came to UI in 2001, he took notes in his native German constantly translating his professors’ lectures.
December 18
Des Moines Register (c/o Press-Citizen)
1,500 UI graduates prepare to take the next step
Intellectual and social diversity are among the most important experiences students can take away from their time in college, UI President David Skorton said in his address to graduating students Saturday.
December 18
Des Moines Register (c/o Press-Citizen)
UI professor lost in modern translations
In many countries, bookstores are more than half-stocked with works in translation. A person would be hard-pressed to find a handful of such stores in the United States.
December 27
Gazette
UI professor starts small press to translate books
Russell Valentino saw a small niche while working in the UI’s translation program—one of the oldest in the nation—and watching nearly 40 international writers come to Iowa City each fall through the International Writers Program.
November 2005
November 1
Daily Iowan
Forum addresses UI diversity
With people, sharing, listening and waiting for permission to speak, a small IMU classroom would have seemed a quiet area to the casual passerby. But underneath the surface of the forum opinions regarding ethnic tensions on campus flared.
November 3
Daily Iowan
Int’l students question democracy in U.S.
On Wednesday, five international UI students discussed voting procedures in their home countries and questioned the definition of democracy in the United States, as a part of several events celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and the 80th anniversary of the 19th amendment.
November 3
Press-Citizen
Syrian writer to speak after ‘Wedding in Galilee’ screening
Syrian writer Nihad Sirees, a participant of the UI International Writing Program will offer commentary and participate in a public discussion following the free, public screening of the film “Wedding in Galilee”. The film will be shown Monday at 8 p.m. in Room 107 of the English and Philosophy Building.
November 4
Press Citizen
Geographer to discuss South African issues
Geographer Briz Maharaj will give three public lectures on issues affecting post-apartheid South Africa during a visit to the University of Iowa from Saturday to Tuesday. The first two lectures are hosted by the UI African Studies Program and are free; and the third lecture is hosted by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council and requires registration.
November 4
Press-Citizen
Student to discuss TB policy in South Africa
UI graduate student Bethany Lewis will discuss “Tuberculosis in South Africa: How Direct Observed Treatment (DOTS) Policy is Implemented to Deal with the Epidemic” from noon to 1 p.m. in the International Center Lounge. The lecture is sponsored by UI International Programs, and is free and open to the public.
November 6
Press-Citizen
UI student works for land mine removal in Cambodia
Walking into the emergency hospital in Battambang Province in Cambodia, Alexis Bushnell was struck by the sight of a young girl of about 7 years, staring expressionlessly into space, sitting far away from the other patients.
November 6
Press-Citizen
Diwali brings community together
Nighan Singh had reason to be excited and nervous. He was excited because it was Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in India; he was nervous because he would soon be performing.
November 7
Daily Iowan
UI alum aids quake victims
As soon as the earth would start to rattle, hundreds of South Asia earthquake victims would run from their hospital beds and into the night.
November 7
Press-Citizen
‘Emperor’ author Otsuka to visit Iowa City
To say the least, Julie Otsuka has been garnering a great deal of attention during the past few months in Johnston.
November 8
Daily Iowan
UI lagging in international students
The UI’s meager number of undergraduate international students relative to other Big Ten schools may be due to a lack of emphasis in recruitment strategies, university officials said Monday.
November 9
Gazette
‘Emperor’ author in I.C. tonight
As a former painter, Julie Otsuka often gets images stuck in her head. One of these images became the impetus for “When the Emperor Was Divine,” the 2005 selection of the One Community, One Book—Johnson County Reads program.
November 10
Press-Citizen
UI International Programs teaching public
University of Iowa International Programs invites the public to learn about many ways to be engaged in international education through a series of activities to celebrate International Education Week.
November 14
Cedar Rapids Gazette
$125 million requested for study abroad
Giving more American college students an international education is key to addressing the United States’ increasing security and diplomacy challenges in the Middle East and economic challenges from China and India, according to a report to be released today.
November 15
Press-Citizen
UI foreign student numbers released
The University of Iowa is doing at least as well as peer institutions when it comes to international exchange, according to national figures released today by the Institute of International Education.
November 15
Daily Iowan
Int’l community details hurdles
The UI international community adjusts to a new language, foreign cuisine, and unfamiliar customs—all while taking an/or teaching college-level courses.
November 15
Daily Iowan
Thinking and acting globally
According to the National Geographic-Roper 2002 Global Literacy Survey, only 17 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds nationwide can read. Almost 90 percent cannot pinpoint Iraq, and 11 percent cannot even locate the United States.
November 17
Press-Citizen
People can learn of African culture
People can learn more about African experiences in healthcare and education, among other issues during a presentation titled “The African Experience”.
October 2005
October 5
The Gazette
Man charged with hate crime
Troy Carter Anderson of Coralville Iowa is accused of a hate crime in which he allegedly called a woman of Middle Eastern descent a “sand nigger” and punched her in the face. Anderson assures he was provoked and said, “Regardless, I made a mistake. There’s no doubt about that. But it’s being blown way out of proportion.”
October 5
Daily Iowan
Rights crime alleged
Tray Anderson faces the charge of assault causing bodily injury in violation of civil rights, i.e. hate crimes, against an unidentified Middle Eastern woman after she left the Deadwood Tavern on Oct. 1. Anderson is charged with calling her a “sand nigger” and punching her in the face.
October 6
Press-Citizen
Ida Beam scholar to speak on African-centered historiography
Joseph Miller, the incoming president of the African Studies Association, will visit the University of Iowa to speak about how to use African perspectives and theories as the basis for a new African historiography.
October 12
Daily Iowan
Writer survives Burmese regime
The Burmese writer, physician and activist, Ma Thida, spoke Tuesday at the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council luncheon, and is residing in Iowa City for three months as a participant in the UI International Writing Program.
October 12
North Liberty Leader
UI International Day focus on global citizenship, responsibility
Nearly 300 middle and high school students from 22 schools across Iowa will take part in the University of Iowa’s ninth annual International Day October 26 in the University of Iowa’s Iowa Memorial Union.
October 13
Press-Citizen
Conference explores integrating foreign language in curriculum
Students, teachers and business leaders who share the belief that the best preparation for working in a global economy includes in-depth cross-cultural awareness and language skills will find like0minded people with whom to share and discuss innovative ideas at a UI conference, “Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum: Responding to a National Need” on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6.
October 13
Daily Iowan
Locals push quake aid
UI student Imran Pirwani, who is originally from Pakistan, is seeking ways to organize aid for the victims of the Pakistan earthquake.
October 17
Daily Iowan
Ramadan fasting a challenge at the UI
When Naif Sinada was sitting in class, a classmate began to tear open the packaging to a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. The sight and smell of the chocolate-peanut butter treat almost caused Sinada to begin salivating, but he was unable to ask for the tiniest nibble, because of his religion.
October 19
Scientist stresses water, sanitation in 3rd world
Craig Just, UI associate research scientist, discusses a new way to filter out clean drinking water that is marketable to the world’s poorest countries, called PuR.
October 20
Press-Citizen
Group offers free Turkish lessons
The UI Turkish Student Association is offering free Turkish lessons to all who are interested. Students will not only learn the language, but will view Turkish movies, celebrate Turkish holidays, and sample Turkish cuisine.
October 20
Students work on quake relief
UI graduate student Amina Mahmood helps organize relief efforts to help her home country of Pakistan following the recent earthquake.
October 20
Daily Iowan
Students work on quake relief
UI graduate student Amina Mahmood helps organize relief efforts to help her home country of Pakistan following the recent earthquake.
October 24
Gazette
UI, UNI make progress on recruiting foreigners
A Q&A with William Reisinger, dean of International Programs, about state universities succeeding at their goal in bringing more international students to their campuses.
October 26
Chronicle Times
Quimby native is Fulbright scholar
Steven Schubert from Quimby is one of seven University of Iowa students to receive a prestigious Fulbright Grant this year.
October 26
The Gazette
Report: ISU enrollment drops
Iowa State University’s international student enrollment drops while The University of Iowa and The University of Northern Iowa increase over the past ten years. The UI yielded a 25.2 percent increase from 1,673 students in 1995 to 2,095 students in 2005.
October 27
Press-Citizen
Indian student group commemorates Diwali
The University of Iowa India Student Association will hold its 25th annual Diwali Night dinner and celebration of Indian culture on Nov 5.
October 31
Press Citizen
Iowa celebrates voting rights
The UI Center for Human Rights is hosting a series of events starting Wednesday to mark the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act called “Celebrate Voting at Iowa”. There will be a panel discussion featuring four international students called “Voting Around the World” at 4 p.m.
September 2005
September 1
Press-Citizen
CIVIC potluck welcomes writers
The Council for International Visitors to Iowa City is hosting a potluck open to the public to welcome the 37 participants in the 2005 International Writing Program.
September 8
Press-Citizen
Study Abroad Fair is Tuesday
The annual UI Study Abroad Fair is a chance for students to get acquainted with more than 70 study abroad programs sponsored by the UI. Students can visit with other students who have studied abroad, visit with study abroad and financial aid advisers, and talk with representatives from almost 30 external institutions offering study abroad programs.
September 8
Press-Citizen
International program brings world to K-12 students
The International Classroom Journey, sponsored by UI International Programs, arranges for guest speakers (trained UI international students and scholars and U.S. students who have studied abroad), to visit K-12 classrooms and promote cultural awareness and knowledge of other countries.
September 8
Daily Iowan
UI students get hands-on rights experience
Seven UI students completed summer internships with human-rights organizations around the world, including Cambodia, Rwanda, and South Africa through the UI Center for Human Rights internship program. The center awarded the students $2,500 grants sponsored by the UI Office of the Provost.
September 13
Daily Iowan
Utilizing the Verdi weapon
Roberta Marvin, director for the UI International Programs Office of Research and Development, and a Stanley International Programs-Obermann Center Research Fellowship awardee, will present her work on Giuseppe Verdi’s Inno delle nazioni in a lecture entitled, “Music, Political Propaganda, and National Identity: Verdi’s Inno delle nazioni, a Weapon of Art”.
September 14
Daily Iowan
Studying far away opens opportunities
The Study Abroad Fair on September 13 held opportunities for students to browse through over 70 different study-abroad programs. The program is coordinating with UI President David Skorton’s Year of the Public Engagement efforts by encouraging students to study areas involving experimental learning components. From 2004-05, a record number of over 1,000 UI students conducted research abroad in more than 60 countries.
September 14
Press-Citizen
Q&A
An interview with Amrit De, a PhD student in physics from Calcutta, India reveals that he likes the mix of interesting people at the University of Iowa; and that if he were the UI president, he would demolish all the roads between the buildings and cut down on the downtown area to see more green.
September 14
Daily Iowan
Judge blames immigration problems for threat to Britain’s national security
Asylum Judge Jeremy Varcoe from Great Britain speaks on “Balancing Security and Immigration: Lessons from the United Kingdom” to the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council. He has served as a British ambassador to Somalia, and also served in Zambia, Malaysia, Turkey, and Nigeria.
September 15
Daily Iowan
Social Security number matters, too
Si-Chi Chin discusses the trials and tribulations international students are put through because they do not have a Social Security number.
September 15
Press-Citizen
International sessions start with Jordan
UI International Programs sponsors a lecture series by UI graduate student, Brooke Sherrard, entitled, “Lessons from Jordan” in which she discusses her recent trip to the area. This lecture series comes in part with the International Thursdays series from the UI International Programs.
September 15
Daily Iowan
Workshop focuses on worldwide grants
Roberta Marvin, director of the Office of Research and Development in International Programs, led presentations at the International Research Grants Workshop on Sept. 14. The workshop helped students find international research and travel grants for those who wish to study abroad.
September 16
Daily Iowan
By the numbers
Letter from William M. Reisinger, associate provost and dean of International Programs, addresses the concerns of Si-Chi Chin’s editorial, “Social Security number matters, too, Sept. 15”, that international students face tremendous obstacles without a Social Security number. Reisinger says the University of Iowa does its best to educate international students on the necessity of a number, and that they can apply for one in their second week of classes.
September 17
Press-Citizen
Fire causes power outage at International Center
A small fire occurred at the International Center on Sept. 16 causing power and Internet outages for most of the day. The cause of the fire was not determined, but is suspected to have been of an electrical sort.
September 21
The Gazette
Korean film festival to play on UI Campus
The International Writing Program, Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, Freeman foundation, International Programs, and the Institute for Cinema and Culture sponsor the sixth annual Korean Film Festival featuring a retrospective of directors Kim Jee-woon and Yim Phil-sung.
September 22
The Daily Iowan
Program thinks outside the foreign-language box
A UI International Programs initiative, ALL Net, gives students a unique, one-on-one language learning experience in languages that are not commonly taught at universities.
September 22
The Daily Iowan
The Kolor of film at the UI
The sixth-annual Kolors Festival will sponsor the retrospective of two directors enrolled in the UI International Writing Program, Kim Ji-Woon and Yim Phil-sung, alongside the IWP, the Freeman Foundation, the UI Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, the Institute for Cinema and Culture, and International Programs.
September 22
The Daily Iowan
Cmiel: Slavery still a problem
Kenneth Cmiel, director of the UI Center for Human Rights, speaks to the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council about modern day slavery in his speech, “The Modernization of Torture and Slavery”.
Sept. 22
Press-Citizen
Diversity Formal to help victims of hurricane
Seven University of Iowa nationality and cultural groups and UI student organizations are joining forces to offer the “Diversity 2005 formal” from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday in the Iowa Memorial Union Second Floor Ballroom. All proceeds will go to the UI Hurricane Academic Relief Fund.
September 23
The Daily Iowan
Services need more awareness
Criticism of the University of Iowa and UI students’ not publicizing and taking advantage of the many resources the university allots them, in particular, ALL Net, with which students can learn languages not otherwise taught at the university.
September 29
Press-Citizen
Foreign language service seeks tutors for faculty, students
The National Resource Center in the International Programs looks for tutors to facilitate participants of ALL Net, who plan on researching or studying abroad in areas with less familiar languages.
September 29
Press-Citizen
Skorton promotes world view
UI President David Skorton wants to improve and increase diversity at the University of Iowa as a part of his Year of Public Engagement campaign.
September 29
Press-Citizen
International students are valuable asset
Editorial about how international students are a valuable asset to the University of Iowa, and have been a central subject in UI President David Skorton’s address.
September 29
The Gazette
UI adding Latino/Latina studies
UI President David Skorton announces a new Latino/Latina studies program, and boosts funding for international exchanges.
September 29
The Daily Iowan
IWP writers explore Mideast
Four Middle Eastern women of the International Writing Program talk to the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council about the issues of the area. UI geography professor Rex Honey mediated the event.
September 29
The Daily Iowan
Skorton: UI must think globally
In his keynote address, UI President David Skorton emphasized the need to better facilitate international programs to gain more ties to the University of Iowa outside of the United States. Skorton states, “In this year of public engagement and beyond, internationalization will continue to be an ever-increasing and strengthening feature of our university’s character and commitments.”
September 29
Oskaloosa Herald
UI President David Skorton calls for greater international involvement
University of Iowa President David Skorton challenged students and faculty to broaden the campus’ global horizons Wednesday, saying it’s time to reverse declines in international enrollment and bolster diversity.
September 30
The Daily Iowan
Mexican organizer happy to talk at UI
Benedicto Martinez Orozco lectures to the University of Iowa about corruption in worker’s unions in Mexico.
September 30
The Daily Iowan
IWP writer’s term cut short
UI International Writing Program director Christopher Merrill ended the term of Mona Prince early due to unresolved issues stemming from travel restrictions placed on Prince.
September 30
The Gazette
UI speaker to offer unique perspective on Islam
The Muslim Students Association of the University of Iowa sponsors a speech by Nancy Ali entitled, “Jesus and Mary in Islam”. Ali was once a Catholic nun, and left the church because of doubts about Catholic dogma. She says Islam “really set well in [her] heart.” The speech talks about how Jesus and Mary pertain to Islam.
August 2005
August 2
Wall Street Journal
No foreign exchange devalues our universities
An article written by UI President David Skorton and Robin L. Davisson about the downturn in international students on American campuses.
August 3
Press-Citizen
Gardens help provide a piece of home
The Hawkeye Court and Hawkeye Drive apartments are offering gardening plots to their residents. Qiang Cai, UI graduate student in geography from rural Anhui in eastern China, and his girlfriend Xin Lu, UI graduate student in computer science from Beijing, are among those taking advantage of this opportunity.
August 4
The Gazette
UI Widernet Project wins $225,000 grant
The University of Iowa’s Widernet project receives $225,000 grant to pursue its mission of establishing digital libraries in developing countries with poor Internet access.
August 6
Press-Citizen
Iowa City remembers historic U.S. attack
A remembrance of the historic United States bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, that led to Japan’s avoidance of military conflict, according to UI history professor, Stephen Vlastos.
August 11
Press-Citizen
UI adds international flavor
The University of Iowa adds approximately 325 new international students, which brings the total of international students to about 2,300, or roughly 6 percent of the 29,000 students currently enrolled at the university.
August 21
Press-Citizen
City greets international students
The Friends of International Students sponsored a picnic in which American University of Iowa students and members of the Iowa City community gathered for a chance to meet with international students from more than 100 countries.
August 21
The Gazette
Focusing UI’s goals for the year
UI President David Skorton takes an 18-day trip to Southeast Asia to discuss the drop in international enrollment in American universities.
August 22
Daily Iowan
Stretching your horizons to the learning point
During the 2003-04 academic year, 960 UI students studied abroad yielding a 5 percent increase over the previous year. The Office of Study Abroad offers advisers who help students to decide where to go, how long, and what to study. Study Abroad, International Programs, and the Honors program all offer numerous scholarships to travel.
August 25
Press-Citizen
Judge to discuss work in Kosovo
The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council sponsors a lecture by Minnesota judge, Robert Carolan, entitled, “Promoting the Role of Law in the Court System of Kosovo, a UN Administered Province of Serbia,” in which he will discuss his experiences as an international judge with the United Nations in Kosovo.
August 29
Daily Iowan
Beijing calling for lucky 10
Ten University of Iowa students along with up to 90 students from across the United States will be given the opportunity to attend the 2008 Beijing Olympics for free. The students in return will work as volunteers in the Olympic Media Center for the Summer Games.
August 30
Press-Citizen
Cinema program looks at gay films worldwide
The University of Iowa’s Institute for Cinema and Culture and UI International Programs co-sponsor a film series with global gay and lesbian-related themes this fall entitled, “Global Queer Cinema,” which will run until December 8.
August 31
Daily Iowan
Staying away
International students are experiencing a burdensome process to attain a student visa, which University of Iowa officials say is one cause for an 18.2 percent drop in international-student applications from the fall of 2004 to this fall.
July 2005
July 1
Daily Iowan
Reisinger no longer 'interim'
"On Thursday, the UI hired William Reisinger, the interim associate provost for International Programs to take the position full-time."
July 1
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Russian librarians search for information
The University of Iowa Main Library was almost vacant and silent at 9 a.m. Thursday -- until the sound of sharp heels and clicking cameras echoed in the hallways. The sound came from eight women from Russia -- all librarians -- who are on a three-week tour of American libraries.
July 3
The Gazette
Welcome to America
Immigrants come to Iowa for the freedoms Americans celebrate on the Fourth of July. But they also come for reasons as diverse as their countries of origin.
July 6
Daily Iowan
From the Congo to Coralville
Leticia Sikisi, Francois Mukumbilwa, and Natalie Nikino from the Democratic Republic of Congo dance at Old Brick Church in Iowa City to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
July 7
Iowa City Press-Citizen
The problems are still there
"Six months after the disaster and a visit to Thailand in March, Scott McNabb is working with Friends of Thailand, a group from San Francisco that is raising money for scholarships for survivors."
July 8
The Gazette
C.R.'s Lord Acton calls attacks a 'dreadful tragedy'
"Thursday's explosions in London are a ""dreadful tragedy,"" said Richard, Lord Acton, who lives half the year in London and half at his Cedar Rapids home."
July 8
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Locals in London safe
"The scenes on London's streets were chaotic with police cars and fire trucks running all day Thursday, a University of Iowa student studying in London said."
July 8
Daily Iowan
Deja vu for students in London
"Minutes after UI senior Vikki Grant got off the London Underground on her way to work Thursday, flames and death ripped through the underground railroad."
July 13
Daily Iowan
Students in London ease back to normal
Four days after sections of London’s Underground exploded in fire, UI senior Vikki Grant rode the Tube to work.
June 2005
June 8
Iowa City Press-Citizen
UI offices, classes mall-bound
"Citing its proximity to campus and a need for space, the UI wants to move into the former Younkers store in the Old Capitol Town Center by early next year."
June 8
Daily Iowan
UI eyes mall site
UI planners will move some offices and classrooms to the space formerly occupied by Younkers in the Old Capitol Town Center if they receive approval from the state Board of Regents to purchase the property.
June 8
The Gazette
I.C. mall could house 2 schools
Old Capitol Town Center could become the home of two colleges in the next year: the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College
June 12
The Gazette
Dispensing hope in Africa
"Doctors at Batoka Hospital huddled over Gloria, a potential tuberculosis case, as a nurse calmly entered and summoned them to another room."
June 15
Daily Iowan
UI gets OK on mall
Regents approve buying the space formerly occupied by Younkers in the Old Capitol Town Center
June 16
Daily Iowan
Mall move gives UI elbowroom
"Out go the shirts and perfumes, in come the desks and cubicles. UI officials say their programs will be getting some much-needed breathing room when the University moves offices and classrooms into both floors of the 68,000-square-feet Old Capitol Town Center space vacated by Younkers."
June 17
Daily Iowan
UI presence in Old Capital Town Center a good move
The University of Iowa purchasing space in Old Capital Town Center for classrooms or offices should have come sooner-- Old Capitol Town Center has struggled with vacancy for years.
June 19
Des Moines Register
Give kids an edge, a foreign language
Perhaps the biggest mistake I've made in life - and I've made a few doozies - was in not learning a foreign language.
June 19
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Working for peace in Colombia
"In the heart of a town square in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, nine Christians from the United States and Canada joined hands with Colombians, knelt and prayed for peace."
June 20
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Muslim countries not popular student destinations
"Despite an expansion of federal efforts to promote learning Arabic and other languages of the Islamic world, there has been no dramatic increase in Americans studying in countries where such languages are spoken according to the latest statistic on overseas study."
June 21
Iowa City Press-Citizen
UI college searching for new quarters
The College of Public health is eyeing buildings and locations on the University of Iowa's east and west campuses to call home.
June 22
Daily Iowan
Breaking culture barriers
"Column: One week from today, my sister will leave our family for Siberia. Dasha Pavlenok is not my real sister, but as my foreign-exchange sister, she has spent the past 10 months in my parents' Cedar Falls home and become a part of my family."
June 22
The Gazette
Iowa, New Zealand make biotech deal
"Gov. Tom Vilsack predicted Tuesday that New Zealand companies will begin investing in Iowa within the next 18 months, creating jobs as well as export opportunities in the state's growing biotechnology sector."
June 27
The Gazette
Parents carry plea for peace
The parents of a young American woman who died trying to safeguard a Palestinian family's home want Iowans to join them in carrying on her work.
June 29
Daily Iowan
China passing U.s. in ownership, speakers say
Talk of Chinese privatization filled the uncomfortably warm basement of the Congregational Church on Tuesday afternoon during a luncheon session of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council
May 2005
May 5
Iowa City Press-Citizen
McNulty to speak to internationalists
"Michael McNulty, professor emeritus of geography and former associate provost and dean of UI International Programs, will offer congratulations and speak to graduates at this year's International programs Reception and Celebration."
May 9
Daily Iowan
UI rights center to hand out awards
The UI Center for Human Rights will award seven UI students scholarships this week for securing national or international internships in the human rights field
May 12
Daily Iowan
IWP head: Use cultural diplomacy
The director of the International Writing program told the audiences at an Iowa City Foreign Relations Council lecture Wednesday that the United States should use art and culture to mend ties with other nations
May 12
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Students can apply for Fulbright
University of Iowa students and alumni from the United States can compete for the 2006-2007 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
May 12
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Students will rights essay contest
A third-year UI law student and a UI junior are the winners of the UI center for Human Rights first-annual Burns H. Weston International Human Rights Essay Competition.
May 12
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Students can apply for Fulbright
University of Iowa students and alumni from the United States can compete for the 2006-2007 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
May 12
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Students will rights essay contest
A third-year UI law student and a UI junior are the winners of the UI center for Human Rights first-annual Burns H. Weston International Human Rights Essay Competition.
May 14
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Grad student reflects on life's journey
Studying abroad in America helped Junko Kobayashi become comfortable in her own skin.
May 14
Press-Citizen
University of Iowa Graduation
Junko Kobayashi bows Thursday at Aoeshe while professors and friends applaud the end of her thesis and her graduation today.
April 2005
April 4
The Gazette
UI Slavic Bazaar welcomes all
"Michael Drucker, 9, of Iowa Cit shifted smoothly from speaking English to a woman running a booth at the Slavic Bazaar on Sunday and speaking Russian to his grandmother."
April 4
Iowa City Press-Citizen
UI celebrates Slavic cultures, traditions
"Choosing from a table filled with dumplings and stduels or reading a poster about Russian wedding taditions mounted on a wall, about 100 people Sunday celebrated Slavic cultures and learned something new."
April 5
Daily Iowan
Films break Asian stereotypes
"Using Pornographic films as a means to crush ethnic stereotypes is difficult to grasp, but when the film's actors are of an ethnicity consistently marginalized in American media, it begins to make sense."
April 7
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Lecture to look at Islam, terrorism
"Kousar Azam, a visiting Fulbright professor from India will examine the U.S's perception of Islam's link to terrorism that surfaced after the tragic events of Sept. 11 and the Islamic world's reciprocal view on the topic."
April 7
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Speaker looks at India in poetry
"In a lecture tat examines connections between Emily Dickinson and India, Radhe Shyam Sharma, an IFUSS visiting fellow, will discuss "Indian Musing of an American Muse" at the upcoming International Mondays"
April 8
Daily Iowan
Prof: U.S. India Relations Better
Kouzar Azam, professor of political science at Osmania University in Hyderabad, India addresses the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council on U.S.-India relations post 9/11.
April 8
Daily Iowan
Prof: U.S. India Relations Better
Kouzar Azam, professor of political science at Osmania University in Hyderabad, India addresses the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council on U.S.-India relations post 9/11.
April 10
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Ghanaian scholar to speak today
"Kofi Nuidevuu Awoonor, a Ghanaian visiting scholar, will discuss ""African Traditional Governance and the Western Liberal Democratic System"""
April 14
Daily Iowan
Prof: U.S. must communicate with Mideast
"Improved communication between the United States and the Middle East and a better understanding of Islam are the keys to world peace, visiting professor Kousar Azam told a group of 20 gathered at Schaeffer hall Wednesday evening."
April 19
Daily Iowan
African officials tour U.S. in anti-AIDS project
"Ugandan Mary Consolate Kabanyana refuses to lose hope in the face of the dire, seemingly incurable situation the AIDS epidemic in Africa has created."
April 21
Iowa City Press-Citizen
First global Certificate recipients honored
UI International programs recognized 22 staff and faculty who received global Certificates Wednesday for their participation in the building our global community Program.
April 22
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Fulbright professor to discuss apartheid
"Hein Willemse, a Fulbright visiting professor at Grinnell College, will speak to the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council about "Ten years into Post-Apartheid South Africa: Identity Re-Formation."
April 22
Daily Iowan
Sketches of Spain
A photo essay by Amanda May: from nudist beaches to dining on calamari with ink—a photographer’s perspective on studying abroad.
April 23
The Gazette
TV news influencing Arab politics
"Television journalism has the potential to affect Arab politics as dramatically as the printing press changed the course of Christianity, a Middle eastern media expert said."
April 28
The Gazette
Muslim scholar says teachings misunderstood
Scholar Jalal Abualrub said he wants to dispel the impressions that the conservative brand of Islam embraced by Osama bin Laden condones suicide attacks and murder of civilians.
April 28
Daily Iowan
Writer: S. Africa still adjusting
One of South Africa's most prominent writers said on Wednesday that South Africa is still adjusting to the challenges and opportunities of its relatively new democracy.
April 29
Daily Iowan
Salsa extravaganza prances into town
"Modei Akyea and others will try to spread a little bit of that joy this weekend at Gusto Latino, the annual salsa-dancing extravaganza sponsored by the International Crossroads Community.
March 2005
March 2
Daily Iowan
Films focus on Afghan Women
Dozens of people found them stunned Tuesday evening during the Human Rights Film Night after watching three films that detailed the emotional effects of the Taliban regime on Afghani women.
March 3
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Scholars see U.S. with worldly eyes
Scholars from around the world will gather at the UI for a two-day symposium to explore America through a variety of lenses.
March 4
The Gazette
Indian culture group holding annual dance competition
"The UI Indian Cultural Association will hold its annual dance competition Nachte Rahon, at the IMU."
March 6
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Dancers bring culture to IMU
"In the end, however, Nachte Rahon was all for a good time and a good cause. Held by the UI Indian Cultural Association on Saturday in the main ballroom, the evening was a mixture of a dance, competition, singing and comedy skits."
March 7
The Gazette
UI group to study Haiti's health, habitat link
The poor health of the people of Haiti is intimately related to the catastrophic enviornmental degradation of the Caribbean nation.
March 7
Daily Iowan
Cultural Awareness, diversity, & tsunami relief
"The subtle glow of blue-tinted bulbs was all the audience could see as members of Dhamaal, a dance team from the University of Illinois, pranced about the darkened stage waving small flashlights."
March 10
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Program helps students, researchers communicate
A new University of Iowa program offers one-on-one free language training with a native speaker from the UI community
March 11
Daily Iowan
Local ceremony honors slain Lebanese leader
Silence enveloped the dimly lit IMU South Room on Thursday evening as dozens of local Lebanese bowed their heads in silence to honor the late Rafiq Hariri
March 20
The Gazette
UI faculty, staff donate $12,00 for tsunami relief
"More than 200 UI faculty and staff donated $12,134 for tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia, South and Southeast Asia and Africa through voluntary payroll deductions last month."
March 21
Iowa City Press-Citizen
World of diversity in one place
Turkish pop and folk music from a live band blared in the background Sunday while Angie Kellogg and her family circled the UI Filedhouse.
March 22
The Gazette
Dragon Tales
Photo and Caption: David Cotran wears the head of a dragon as Lan Vo follows behind to hold up the dragon tail while performing during the School's Out Special: Vietnamese Cultural Celebration and Dragon Dance at the Iowa City Public Library on Friday.
March 24
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Lecture to focus on cultural body language
Creating awareness about cross cultural body language will be the topic of the next International Mondays.
March 24
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Gypsy music highlights Friday show at Englert
"The Iowa City premiere of a musical performance titled ""Dostoevsky, Jews and Gypsies"" will be at 8 p.m. Friday at the Englert Civic Theatre."
March 25
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Asian film festival doubles its size
The fifth annual WAVES Asian American Film Festival has been expanded to include twice as many films as before and two guest speakers.
March 27
The Gazette
UI faculty member to give talk on cross-cultural body language
Creating awareness about cross-cultural body language will be the topic of the next International Mondays lecture from noon to 1 p.m. Monday in International Center Lounge.
March 30
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Agencies await calls for help
"As Indonesian officials survey the damage and count the dead in the wake of another natural disaster that struck the South pacific, local agencies are awaiting calls for assistance."
March 31
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Public invited to celebrate Slavic culture with bazaar
The University of Iowa will celebrate Slavic cultures and traditions at the annual slavic Bazaar from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday in the UI International Center Lounge
March
March
UI Learning & Development
The UICHR Human Rights Index - Fall 2004
Human Rights Index
February 2005
February 1
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Forum on tsunami to be Wednesday
A quirk of cartography ay have saved the lives of university of Iowa education professor Scott McNabb and his family placing them on the side of Thailand opposite where the deadly tsunami struck last month.
February 3
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Film series offers glimpse of Central Europe
"These aren't your normal Hollywood blockbusters. Through a series of contemporary films from Central and Eastern Europe, the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies invites the community tot take a glimpse into this diverse region."
February 3
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Engineering course offered in Turkey
"The UI College of Engineering will hold its sixth ""International Perspectives in Water Resources Planning"" course in Turkey"
February 3
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Law school to discuss sex slaves
The UI College of Law will host a discussion about human trafficking and sex slavery featuring three university members who have worked to fight the practice.
February 3
Iowa City Press-Citizen
"Series to show Arab, French films"
The UI Institute for Cinema and culture and UI International Programs are co-sponsoring two separate series of Arab and French films during the next few months.
February 4
Daily Iowan
UI rights official recalls Croatia
"Amy Weismann, boarded a plane 12 years ago and headed to war-ravaged Yugoslavia to bear witness for two weeks at Kamenjak -- a refugee camp in Croatia, a former Yugoslav republic."
February 5
Daily Iowan
Prof ponders Mideast after Arafat
A UI visiting scholar said there is a “window of opportunity” for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, following the death of Yasser Arafat, to a group of approximately 100 people at Rockwood Fellowship Hall on Thursday.
February 7
The Gazette
Chinese New Year
Photo and Caption: Traditional Chinese dancers wait to perform last night during the Chinese New Year celebration at the IMU.
February 7
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Year of Rooster begins
"Kung hei fat choi. That's Chinese for ""congratulations and be prosperous"" and is a greeting said during the Chinese New Year."
February 7
Daily Iowan
Tradition holds sway as locals usher in Chinese New Year
"Dozens of red handkerchiefs streaked through the air in fluid, harmonious movement as dancers glided to traditional Chinese music at the IMU during Sunday's Chinese New Year celebration."
February 8
The Gazette
"UI film series explore Arab, French issues"
The UI institute for Cinema and Culture and UI International Programs are co-sponsoring two separate series of Arab and French films over the next few months.
February 9
The Gazette
New year dances in
Celebration at UI welcomes Chinese Year of Rooster
February 10
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Speaker to focus on drug prevention
Preventing drug and alcohol abuse in Lithuania will be the focus of an upcoming International Mondays
February 11
Daily Iowan
"Under new law, UI to pay more for foreign faculty"
"A new federal law that raises fees for visa applications will force the UI to pay an extra $400 for every foreign faculty member it hires - an average of roughly $60,000 per year."
February 11
Iowa City Press-Citizen
International Talk to focus on fieldwork
"Researching Indigenous Knowledge: The Ethnographic Fieldwork of D. Michael Warren Among the Bono-Takyiman of Central Ghana"" will be the topic of a lecture given by University of Iowa International Studies Bibliographer Edward Miner."
February 14
Daily Iowan
Journey to Palestine opens local woman's eyes
"For UI theater lecturer, Lisa Schlesinger, growing up in the US in the Jewish faith always meant that she felt she was never quite home. Her grandfather's passion for Zionism led her to travel to Israel -- the Jewish homeland that was established in Palestine after World War II."
February 15
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Group celebrating lunar New Year
The UI Vietnamese Student Association invites Iowa City and surrounding communities to celebrate the lunar New Year.
February 15
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Human rights center plans presentation
"Kenneth Cmiel, a faculty member in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the new director of the UI Center for Human Rights, will present the 22nd annual Presidential Lecture, ""Seeing War at a Distance: Photography from Antietam to Abu Ghraib."""
February 17
Daily Iowan
Prof: Ukrainian winner must reach out to opposition
"Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko must work diligently to repair political rifts following that nation's highly contentious presidential elections, Oleksandr Komarenkoa UI visiting professor said on Wednesday."
February 17
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Visitor to Sri Lanka to discuss tsunami
"The Tsunami that ravaged Southeast Asia killing more than 30,000 people in Sri Lanka alone comes closer to home with the Iowa Foreign Relations Council's Tuesday luncheon."
February 17
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Chinese writer to discuss censorship
"After a childhood marked by the repression of China's Cultural Revolution, Ying Tang has emerged as a prize-winning, widely anthologized writer and prominent TV and film producer and director."
February 18
The Gazette
I.C. Group to present program on tsunami
"The Tsunami that ravaged Southeast Asia killing more than 30,000 people in Sri Lanka alone, comes closer to home with the Iowa Foreign Relations Council's Tuesday luncheon."
February 19
The Gazette
Sharing caring ways
"When Tokey Boswell graduated from the UI in 1999 he 'had the traveling bug' but didn't know how to get to the part of West Africa he wanted to see. Instead of looking for an airport, he found the Peace Corps and made his way to Tormelin, Guinea."
February 20
The Gazette
New Year Dance
Picture and Caption: Vietnamese traditional dancers perform the Lion Dance during the UI VSA Lunar New Year celebration at the IMU.
February 21
Daily Iowan
Celebrating multiculturalism
"Three Thai women sat chatting in the Fieldhouse, their hands beckoning people to their table during the 15th annual Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival."
February 21
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Iowa City welcomes Japanese students
"CIVIC potluck helps break ice. One by one, the Japanese students and community members introduced themselves, rattled off their majors or occupations and how many people were in their families."
February 23
Daily Iowan
U.S. eases measures affecting int'l students
"Despite the relaxed process, UI officials are not convinced international scholars will renew their interest in attending U.S. schools."
February 24
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Traditional medicine in Kenya to be lecture topic
"Michael Post, a UI non-degree graduate student, will discuss ""Traditional Medicine in Kenya at the upcoming International Mondays."
February 24
Daily Iowan
Group targets rights awareness
"UI Sophomore Claire Miller couldn't believe it when she encountered students who didn't know about the Asian tsunami after she returned to campus from winter break. Group members of Amnesty International are seeking to raise awareness this spring about the tsunami aftermath, war crimes in Sudan, and other global human rights issues"
February 24
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Luncheon speaker to focus on politics
Democratic institutions in Colombia and Venezuela will be discussed at the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council luncheon on March 10
February 26
The Gazette
UI Grad student's lecture topic is Kenya medicine
"Michael Post, a UI non-degree graduate student, will discuss "Traditional Medicine in Kenya at the upcoming International Mondays."
February 27
The Gazette
UI project plants seeds of Internet in developing nations
WiderNet is giving African students access to the vast e-libraries maintained by universities and other programs around the globe.
February 28
Daily Iowan
UI Prof follows war imagery
"The media's timeworn struggle with the government over images of war was ignited anew with the mass publishing of photos of American soldiers abusing Abu Ghraib prisoners, showing that ""media products cannot be censored"" said Kenneth Cmiel, a UI professor of history and American studies."
January 2005
January 10
Iowa City Press-Citizen
UI Group sees tsunami damage up close
"Paul Greenough, director of the UI Global Health Studies Program, noted that the country's water reservoirs are inland, which means the storm, which struck the coastal areas would probably not contaminate the water supply"
January 14
Iowa City Press-Citizen
UI plans vigil
Members of the University of Iowa community are invited to a vigil remembering the thousands of people killed by the tsunami that struck South Asia and Africa.
January 14
The Gazette
UI Graduate faults Abu Ghraib reports
"Media coverage of the alleged prisoner abuse in Iraq often has been inaccurate or incomplete, but the military can blame itself for some of the problem, according to a lawyer who oversaw detainees."
January 15
The Gazette
UI plans tsunami vigil Thursday
"Members of the UI community are invited to a vigil to remember the people killed by the tsunami that struck South Asia and support those who will help heal, rebuild, and renew life in the affected countries."
January 16
The Gazette
Middle East expert to speak at foreign relations lunch
Middle East expert Robert Blecher will share his thoughts on post Arafat Palestine during the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council luncheon.
January 17
Daily Iowan
Recalling tsunami in Sri Lanka
"A lone Buddha sitting atop a cement pedestal was all that remained of the temple in Galle, Sri Lanka, the day UI senior Andy Boyd stopped to help."
January 17
Daily Iowan
UI community reaches out to tsunami victims
"UI faculty, staff, students and administrators joined the worldwide relief effort in the disastrous aftermath of a Southeast Asian tsunami almost immediately after the Dec. 26 tragedy offering money and sympathy as the affected nations struggle to recover."
January 18
The Gazette
New use for old hardware
Photo and caption featuring teenagers volunteering with the WiderNet Project
January 18
Daily Iowan
One tsuanmi benefit: rise in global attention
"Global awareness of civil unrest in countries ravaged by the Southeastern Asian tsunami is rising since the Dec. 26 disaster, natives of the region said Monday on a local television program."
January 19
The Gazette
Artistic expression
"Tang Ying's parents wanted her to become a doctor. Becoming a writer in Shanghai, China in 1978 was too dangerous, they said. Tang, 49 is the UI International Programs' 2005 Wrter-in-Residence."
January 20
Daily Iowan
Sudanese refugee skeptical on peace
"Ubuch Ujwok, a volunteer for UI International Programs, fled southern Sudan on foot as government-employed soldiers plundered his village."
January 20
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Chinese writer to share her culture
"Chinese fiction writer, screenwriter, playwright and filmmaker Ying Tang will serve as the 2005 International Programs' Writer-in-Residence."
January 21
The Gazette
Speakers urge unity in wake of tsunami
More than 75 people from the University of Iowa community gathered at Old Brick Church on Thursday for a vigil for the victims and survivors of the Dec. 26 tsunami.
January 21
Daily Iowan
Tsunami vigil stresses unity
"As candles flickered on a nearby table, the UI community expressed their homelands heartbreak during a vigil Thursday evening in Old Brick."
January 23
Iowa City Press-Citizen
KRUI goes global
"Wanting to flood the radio waves of Chile with American independent music, two UI gradate students have started UI's first Internationally syndicated college radio show."
January 27
Daily Iowan
Grad students rock Chile by radio
"Chilean students 5000 miles away are turning into ""sesiones KRUI,"" an hour long radio show hosted by UI grad students Marcelo Men and Oscar Vega"
January 27
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Film, lecture series starts with 'West Side Story'
"West Side Story" launches a film and lecture series Friday."
January 28
Daily Iowan
Prof ponders Mideast after Arafat
"UI visiting scholar said there is a ‘window of opportunity’ for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, following the death of Yasser Arafat to a group of approximately 100 people at Rockwood Fellowship Hall on Thursday."
January 30
The Gazette
I.C. vigil recalls tsunami victims
Photo and Caption: Tsunami vigil
January 30
The Gazette
UI Program kicks off film, lecture series
"The Caribbean, Diaspora, and Atlantic Studies Program, a program sponsored by UI International Programs, kicked off its spring 2005 film and lecture series Friday with ""West Side Story"""
January 30
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Iraqis must decide to cooperate for vote to instill change
Q&A with Rex Honey on Iraqi election
January 30
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Preserving basic rights
Kenneth Cmiel said the picture was on the wall before he started as director of the UI Center for Human Rights this January but it represents the compassion kids have for their peers in other countries.