About two dozen University of Iowa (UI) alumni living in the Shanghai and Beijing areas of China attended a virtual Iowa Club party organized by the UI International Programs (IP) and the UI Center for Advancement (UICA) on December 3, 2022. 

“What a pleasure it was to connect with our alumni in Beijing and Shanghai,” said Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean of IP, who facilitated conversations with the alumni attendees during the event. “Not only did we enjoy reminiscing about their days at Iowa, we heard great stories about our alumni’s success and persistence since leaving campus. We are so proud of their accomplishments and are delighted these alums remain close members of the Hawkeye family.”  

Due to China’s travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, IP officials haven’t been able to conduct business trips to China over the past three years. In response, IP uses online platforms, including virtual meetings and social media, to engage thousands of alumni living in China. Earlier this year, a virtual launch party was held to celebrate the establishment of two new Iowa Clubs in Wuhan and the Greater Bay Area in China.  

Tony Hakes, director of regional programs at the UICA, also represented the UI at the event. “I really enjoyed my virtual time with Iowa alumni from China.  It was great to hear stories about their time at Iowa and the adventures they have been on since leaving campus.  Despite being thousands of miles from our university, this was a really engaged group,” said Hakes. 

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.