Four University of Iowa undergraduate students were recently able to study abroad thanks to support from the Leona Zaharis Scholarship, a fund that was established in 2022 by Cathy Zaharis (BBA finance ’82) in memory of her mother.

Cathy’s mother, Leona, never went to college, but she made it a priority to explore the world. Cathy wanted to give University of Iowa students the opportunity to follow in her mother’s footsteps.

Meet the recipients:

Eltayeb Ahmed is a fourth-year double major in finance and risk management & insurance from Khartoum, Sudan. Eltayeb studied this past winter on the International Business: Topics in Finance program in the United Kingdom.

"The Leona Zaharis Scholarship represents an invaluable opportunity for me and students facing similar challenges. It provides the chance to explore the world and acquire knowledge without the burden of financial constraints. I am immensely grateful for this scholarship and am eager to recommend it to others.”

“I selected this program because London is a global business hub, offering a great opportunity to gain insights into global business and finance practices. I was particularly excited about meeting new people and exploring London.

I believe it will positively impact my future by making me a more well-rounded business student with a deep understanding of global business practices, enhancing my appeal to potential employers.

The Leona Zaharis Scholarship represents an invaluable opportunity for me and students facing similar challenges. It provides the chance to explore the world and acquire knowledge without the burden of financial constraints. I am immensely grateful for this scholarship and am eager to recommend it to others.”

Savannah Downing is a third-year music therapy and psychology double major from Romeoville, Illinois. Savannah is studying abroad this spring on the Wells College Florence program in Italy.

"The Leona Zaharis Scholarship to me means getting out there and exploring the world and finding new things to be passionate about. It is about traveling and getting to experience a new side of life that I can bring back with me.”

“I chose this program because even before I got accepted, I could feel the great community that was behind this program, and I have gotten so much support in this process. I am excited to try things out of my comfort zone and meet new people.

I think my study abroad experience will bring me out of my shell and get me to try things I wouldn't normally do, which I want to continue in my future and will hopefully help me later in my life and career.

The Leona Zaharis Scholarship to me means getting out there and exploring the world and finding new things to be passionate about. It is about traveling and getting to experience a new side of life that I can bring back with me.”

Manal Duah is a fourth-year enterprise leadership major originally from Ghana, but now calls Iowa City, Iowa, home. Manal studied on the International Business: Data Analytics program in the United Kingdom this past winter.

"I am forever grateful because the Leona Zaharis Scholarship gave me the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity without having the financial burden on my shoulders. It was one of the highlights of my college life, and I will always be a part of it. I aspire to be in a position in the future where I can give back and make the same impact on other students as she did on me.”

“I chose this program because I love football (soccer). I grew up playing and watching it, so I thought exploring the football culture in London would be an exciting project. The team we analyzed was Wrexham, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny. There is so much to learn from them. It was an opportunity to learn and explore deeper into something I already love.

During my time abroad, I better understood intercultural relationships and developed my ability to adapt. This experience allowed me to see how to adjust to new cultures, which is important as I plan to work abroad. The trip has allowed me to expand my horizons and consider new possibilities beyond what I know. By visiting various businesses and immersing myself in different cultures, I have gained a broader perspective and am now more open to pursuing career opportunities outside the United States.

I am forever grateful because the Leona Zaharis Scholarship gave me the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity without having the financial burden on my shoulders. It was one of the highlights of my college life, and I will always be a part of it. I aspire to be in a position in the future where I can give back and make the same impact on other students as she did on me.”

Olivia Jursik is a third-year theatre arts major from Hudson, Iowa. Olivia is studying abroad this spring on the Lancaster University Exchange program in the United Kingdom.

"Thanks to the Leona Zaharis Scholarship, I’m able to pursue an experience that I know will have a significant impact on my life, both academically and personally.”

“I chose this program because traveling to the United Kingdom has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I’m excited for the accessibility of public transportation so that I can explore the U.K. as well as other countries nearby.

I think that studying abroad will be a transformative experience. The challenge of being more self-reliant will uncover strengths and capabilities I didn’t know I had.

Thanks to the Leona Zaharis Scholarship, I’m able to pursue an experience that I know will have a significant impact on my life, both academically and personally.”

To help more University of Iowa students go abroad, make a gift today!

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.