Dear all, 

The world remains a turbulent place, but we have much to be thankful for here in Iowa. My hope is that each of you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving to kick off a warm and memorable holiday season. In that vein, International Programs held its annual Fall Break Meal on November 20 (see image gallery below). This is one of our favorite events of the year, as it brings together both UI international students and scholars and members of the Iowa City community. The meal was traditional, and for many of our international students and scholars, it was the first Thanksgiving dinner they had ever experienced. We served over 160 meals and enjoyed steady attendance throughout the late morning and early afternoon. It was especially pleasant to see guests stay at their tables to enjoy conversation over pie and cider. No doubt everyone was eager to spend some time relaxing and socializing before gearing up for the end of the fall semester. 

In the spirit of gratitude, there are many people to thank for their efforts in organizing the Fall Break Meal. Special recognition goes to our dear friend Beverly Brandau, whose generosity supports the dinner every year. Bev has always valued town-gown relations, specifically as they relate to connecting international students and scholars with the Iowa City community at large. While Bev funds numerous activities such as museum visits, picnics, and other social gatherings throughout the year, the Fall Break Meal is the centerpiece around which all her gifts revolve. International Programs is deeply indebted to Bev and our friends at the Office of the Dean of Students for sponsoring this most important event. Likewise, deep appreciation goes to organizations such as Friends of International Students and the International Women’s Club of Iowa City for their volunteer work in staffing the meal and promoting it to the greater community. Volunteers also came from many colleges, departments, and offices across campus to set up the dining space, serve meals, and clean up afterwards. We also thank our wonderful staff within IP, particularly Shuhui Lin, who worked for weeks to oversee the event. Loud applause also goes to the entire International Student and Scholar Services team, as well as to Shari Sorensen, Mary Paterson, Ben Partridge, Amy Green, Amy Brandt, Suyun Channon, Katie Ron, Emily Brown, Sam Waldron, Liz Wildenberg De Hernandez, and Ana Jiménez. 

For me, the Fall Break Meal embodied the perfect transition to life in Iowa after a very productive trip to Nigeria. Along with Professor Dimy Doresca (Tippie College of Business and IP), I attended the biennial conference of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Participants at the conference included representatives from Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, South Asia, and North America. Our main contact at UNILAG is Dr. Sunday Adebisi, professorial chair of entrepreneurial studies and director of the Entrepreneurship & Skills Development Centre, which has been designated as one of ARUA’s Centers of Excellence. Dr. Adebisi spent a month at the UI last year as a visiting fellow, and since then, we have worked closely with him to create opportunities for UNILAG and Iowa students and faculty. While in Lagos, we visited the Centre, gave presentations, and discussed future collaborations.

Part of IP’s strategy is to expand Iowa’s presence in Sub-Saharan Africa and our attendance at ARUA will assist us in achieving that goal. I was fortunate enough to give a plenary talk on how technology facilitates team building that leads to the co-creation of curricula as well as research initiatives. The conference left us with a new understanding of how much we can learn from our colleagues in Africa and how the realm of entrepreneurship applies not only to business, but to disciplines such as health care, the arts, and public policy. A particularly delightful aspect of the trip was our dinner with Iowa alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellows program. These Hawkeyes came not just from Lagos, but from throughout Nigeria to get reacquainted, reminisce, and develop networks through which they can promote their own businesses in Nigeria. IP considers itself first and foremost as a convener, and seeing these alumni get together underscores our role in making connections everywhere in the world. 

In closing, please let me thank you for connecting with us! Enjoy the holiday season, and we will touch base again in the new year. 

With thanks for your support and all best wishes, 
 

Russ 

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.