A new International Programs (IP) affinity group, the Anne Frank Initiative (AFI), launched last week, and its mission is to investigate Anne Frank’s literary contributions and her legacy in a more contemporary context.
The initiative was conceived by Kirsten Kumpf Baele, a faculty member in the University of Iowa (UI) Department of German, who also serves as the director of AFI. Kumpf Baele was behind the planting of a descendant of Anne Frank’s chestnut tree on the University of Iowa campus in April 2022, which in turn inspired numerous events, including the Provost’s Global Forum: Teaching Anne Frank, a workshop, traveling exhibit, lectures, and film screening, which all focused on the continued importance of Anne Frank’s legacy.
“The story of Anne Frank has the demonstrated ability to open people’s minds and initiate and sustain positive change,” remarked Kumpf Baele. “2021-2022 was filled with numerous events at the University of Iowa and in our local community and state that brought people from all walks of life together and acknowledged this truth. With the creation of the Anne Frank Initiative, there will be the opportunity to keep the momentum going, while at the same time being methodical about the process by having deep conversations about how to move forward with the needs here at our institution and beyond.”
AFI will create unique opportunities that:
- Link Anne Frank’s legacy as a writer with one of the nation’s premier writing universities.
- Teach others about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination and how to stand up to injustices particularly during a time when antisemitism and other forms of bigotry are on the rise.
- Recognize Anne Frank’s status as a Jew, refugee, and adolescent with the lived experience of Jews, refugees, and young people in Iowa and the American Midwest.
The Anne Frank Initiative is one of nine affinity groups supported by International Programs. Their purpose is to create opportunities for faculty to contribute to the global mission of the UI, advance research and teaching through a focus on trans-collegiate issues and perspectives, provide opportunities for faculty and students across disciplines to interact and collaborate, and develop public engagement projects to benefit communities in Iowa and abroad.
"Anne’s story is not just about the Holocaust. It is about displacement, resilience, and social justice. Anne’s example of humanity is one we wish to share with the state of Iowa so that we may all appreciate the value of human struggle and triumph.”
“The launch of the Anne Frank Initiative is the perfect complement to last year’s Provost’s Global Forum: Teaching Anne Frank,” explained Russell Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs. “Our goal is to continue engaging in community-wide outreach. Anne’s story is not just about the Holocaust. It is about displacement, resilience, and social justice. Anne’s example of humanity is one we wish to share with the state of Iowa so that we may all appreciate the value of human struggle and triumph.”
AFI recently held an inaugural advisory committee meeting to welcome members and begin setting a path forward.
“I think we’re in a time in our history where we need to do a good job at reflecting,” remarked Natoshia Askelson, AFI advisory committee member and associate professor in the UI College of Public Health. “This initiative is something that will help us focus on our past as we look toward our future.”
“I think Kirsten Kumpf Baele is framing Anne Frank in a way that makes issues surrounding Anne Frank as accessible as possible,” said Glenn Ehrstine, AFI advisory committee member and associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the UI Department of German. “I’m excited to hear and learn from colleagues who see similar potential on campus through this initiative.”
The Anne Frank Initiative plans to host a spring event that will use the Anne Frank sapling as a metaphor to “grow” awareness about the initiative’s deeper mission.
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.