The University of Iowa (UI) International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), established in 2014, held its 10th Anniversary Celebration Award Night at the International Ballroom in the Iowa Memorial Union on Friday, March 22. A joint initiative of UI Undergraduate Student Government (USG), Graduate & Professional Student Government (GPSG), International Programs, and the Division of Student Life, ISAB seeks to voice international student concerns and to advocate for international student needs to improve the international student experience and create a more inclusive campus. 

About 100 people gathered to celebrate and express gratitude to outstanding individuals and teams whose hard work and efforts have enhanced the experiences of international students at Iowa. The event was hosted by ISAB Graduate Board President Khyathi Gadag and ISAB Undergraduate Board President Ariadna Orbe Vivero.  

“ISAB plays a central role in advocating for international students on campus. The organization’s efforts have been crucial to elevating the robust contributions international students make to the UI community on both an intellectual and cultural level. ISAB should be very proud of its accomplishments these past 10 years.” - Russ Ganim

“While I was MC’ing and articulating the remarkable achievements and tireless dedication of the ISAB members, it was tear-jerking,” Gadag reflected after the event. “It was an evening filled with heartfelt emotion! What ISAB has been doing for the international student community at University of Iowa is truly admirable. A piece of my heart will always remain with ISAB, and I am very grateful for the chance to work with the members of this organization.”

Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean of UI International Programs, gave opening remarks at the celebration.

“There is no doubt that international students enrich the intellectual and cultural life at the University of Iowa in innumerable ways. The issue is that these achievements do not always get the recognition they deserve across the institution as a whole. ISAB fills that void by tackling real life issues concerning employment, immigration and visas, landlord problems, and mental health all while organizing events that spotlight the wonderful diversity of the countries, languages, and civilizations that make Iowa a leader in global education,” said Ganim.  

Throughout the night, a series of awards were presented, highlighting exceptional contributions, dedications, and achievements over the last decade.  Here is a list of the awards along with their respective recipients: 

Partners in Advance Award

Given to individuals and organizations that supported and encouraged ISAB in addressing international student concerns. 

• Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs
• Maria Bruno, executive director for belonging and inclusion and assistant to the vice president
• Michael Bortscheller, associate director of International Student & Scholar Services
• Angie Reams, associate vice president and dean of students
• Sarah Hansen, vice president for Student Life
• Bill Nelson, associate dean and executive director of Iowa Memorial Union
• University Counseling Service
• Undergraduate Student Government
• Graduate and Professional Student Government
• Global Engagement Student Advisory Board
• UI College of Public Health International Student Advisory Board

Advising Pioneer Award

ISAB founders Jeffrey Ding, Shen Lu, Joelle Brown, Kyra Seay, and Janet M Lawler received this award for their pioneering efforts and dedication.  

"While I was MC’ing and articulating the remarkable achievements and tireless dedication of the ISAB members, it was tear-jerking. It was an evening filled with heartfelt emotion! What ISAB has been doing for the international student community at University of Iowa is truly admirable. A piece of my heart will always remain with ISAB, and I am very grateful for the chance to work with the members of this organization.” - Khyathi Gadag

Connecting Bridge Award

This award is for exceptional liaisons who have been an important part of ISAB's success over the years. They have masterfully bridged connections between ISAB and various organizations, ensuring seamless and ongoing communication.

• Raghav Sharma, international affairs director, 2023-2024 GPSG
• Brian Leal, director of justice and equity, 2016-2017 USG
• Apoorva Raikward, director of justice and equity, 2017-2018 USG  

ACE Award

This was given to ISAB alumni and current members for their well-rounded contributions to the organization.  

• Jintao He (2016-2017)
• Yusuf Sermet (2016-2017)
• Jia Ern Ong (2019-2020)
• Rishika Avvari (2019-2020)
• Nafisa Kamal Ayntee (2020-2022)
• Ya’u Adamu (2021-2023)
• Yeji Son (2019-2023)
• Fascha Aryasa (2022-2024)
• Ayushi Sood (2020-2022 & 2023-2025)
• Kahyun “Gabby” Kang (2023-2024)
• Mia Qu (2017-2019)
• Jeff Lai (2020-2025) was awarded a plaque in this category as the ACE Member of the Decade.

Peak Year Cohort

ISAB members in 2020-2021 were given this award.

• Alaa Albashayreh
• Ayushi Sood
• Frankline Matanji
• Gordon Louie
• Jeff Lai
• Mary Hartel’
• Mishma Nixon
• Nafisa Kamal Ayntee
• Redwan Bin Abdul Baten
• Soumya Venkitakrishnan
• Tejaswini Kannan
• Wenxin (Zephyr) Xiao
• Xinyi Wu
• Yangyi (Edward) Luo
• Yeji (Sophia) Son

Behind-the-Scenes Performers Certificate

This award was given to ISAB alumni and current members whose relentless dedication to advocating for international students has been instrumental in ensuring the organization's smooth operation and success.  

• Onyeche Oche (2021-2022)
• Divija Sharma (2022-2023)
• Ayushi Sood (2020-2022 & 2023-2025)
• Soumya Venkitakrishnan (2020-2021)
• Fascha Aryasa (2022-2024)  
• Katherine Lyu (2023-2024)
• Ariadna Orbe Vivero (2021-2025)
• Allison Kim (2018-2020)
• Anis Shakirah Mohd Muslimin (2016-2017)
• Marie E A Hoppe (2017-2019)
• Siau-Tong Ding (2021-2022) was awarded a plaque in this category as the Behind-the-scenes Performer of the Decade.  

International Student Advocate Award

• Akash Bhalerao (2015-2016)
• Yu Chak Sunny Ho (2015-2016)
• Gordon Louie (2020-2021)
• Joelle Brown (2014)  

Advisor of Advisors Award

Shuhui Lin, coordinator for International Student Support and Engagement, received this award for her unwavering dedication and impactful work that has significantly uplifted the international community and amplified its voice across the campus.

Leadership of the Decade Award

This award went to the 2019-2020 ISAB leadership team for orchestrating a series of transformative initiatives and operational shifts that significantly impacted the organization.

• Piroska Boros
• Allison Kim
• Siau-Tong Ding
• Mishma Nixon
• Grace Vebi

Face of ISAB Certificate

Several ISAB alumni received this award for being at the forefront of advocacy, tirelessly championing the concerns of international students.  

• Tejaswini Kannan (2020-2022)
• Manisha Skaria (2022-2023)
• Onyeche Oche (2021-2022)
• Piroska Boros (2019-2020)
• Jason Xu (2014-2015)
• Frankline Matanji (2020-2022)
• Fay Lin (2021-2023)
• Redwan Bin Abdul Baten (2020-2021)
• Mary Hartel (2020-2021)
• Ebenezer Aidoo (2021-2022)
• Khyathi Gadag (2021-2023 & 2024-2025) and Misham Nixon (2019-2022) were awarded plaques in this category as the Face of ISAB of the Decade.

Following the awards ceremony, attendees participated in a handprint activity and enjoyed cultural performances.

“ISAB plays a central role in advocating for international students on campus,” shared Ganim. “The organization’s efforts have been crucial to elevating the robust contributions international students make to the UI community on both an intellectual and cultural level. ISAB should be very proud of its accomplishments these past 10 years.”  

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.