Five University of Iowa undergraduate students are 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. The scholarship supports up to two $1,000 scholarships for summer and winter sessions, up to two $2,000 scholarships for fall and spring semesters, and up to two $3,000 scholarships for academic or calendar year programs.
Meet the recipients:
Summer 2024
Pahola Gutierrez Velez is a third-year student majoring in health studies from Des Moines, Iowa. Velez is studying on the Iowa Hispanic Institute program in Valladolid, Spain.
"The Leona Zaharis scholarship represents support to me. The scholarship made my participation in this program change from a dream to reality, and I am very grateful to the Leona Zaharis scholarship for giving me this opportunity. "
“I chose this program because it focuses on culture, literature and language from Spain. I am very excited to contrast Spain to my Mexican culture as well as the American culture. It will prepare me to adapt to diverse environments and learn to immerse myself. It is also adding to my personal knowledge; I am becoming more knowledgeable with culture in Spain.”
Hunter Heppe is a fourth-year student majoring in business management on the leadership and management track from Eldridge, Iowa. Heppe is participating on the CIEE Toyko Summer Global Internship program in Tokyo, Japan.
"The Leona Zaharis Scholarship means a ton to me, as I was unsure if I was going to be able to afford a trip like this over the summer missing time that I would usually work in order to pay for the next semester of school. Without the help of the Leona Zaharis Scholarship, and the scholarships I received from other incredibly generous donors, I likely would have stayed in Iowa City all year and not had the chance to participate in this amazing experience. "
“I chose this program based off the resident credit it offers, and its location being a place I had never been before, but my brother had lived in the city/country before. I am excited about getting to work with people from different backgrounds than me and exploring the largest city in the world.
I think the ability to study abroad will mean a whole lot to me in the future, as there aren't many opportunities for something like this outside of university. Additionally, it will give me another item for my resume, and will hopefully help influence the way I can connect with people from different backgrounds than myself.”
Fall 2024
Shahd Ibrahim is a fourth-year student majoring in public health with a minor in Arabic from Puyallup, Washington. Ibrahim will participate in the SIT Jordan Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action program in Amman, Jordan.
"The Leona Zaharis Scholarship is very important to me because it gives me the opportunity to pursue my dream of studying abroad. This will allow me to concentrate on my education while engaging with the local culture and ensures that I return with new knowledge and experiences. I am honored to receive a scholarship honoring Leona Zaharis' life and legacy, and I am determined to make the most of this life-changing opportunity."
“I chose this program because Jordan is the central hub for humanitarian institutions in the region and upholds humanitarian values by ensuring access to basic resources. I am excited about getting the chance to gain knowledge about Jordan's healthcare system, legislation, and public health concerns. Jordan's geographical location places it at the intersection of the Middle East, where it plays a crucial role in addressing the Syrian, Palestinian, and Iraqi refugee crises. I will have the opportunity to get a look into the major issues that refugees face, such as identity crises, social integration, cultural-contextual change, and the political impact of the continuous addition of refugees in Jordan. I believe that collaborating on a global scale to address international health issues and responding to global humanitarian health threats will help further my academic and professional career since Jordan is one of the world’s largest hubs for international public health.”
Nicolas Miramontes is a fifth-year student majoring in industrial engineering from Tabor, Iowa. Miramontes will participate in the Wells College Florence: Lorenzo de Medici program in Florence, Italy.
"I am very grateful to be a recipient of the Leona Zaharis Scholarship. Not only does it provide crucial financial support, but it also inspires me to continue striving for excellence and gives me the opportunity to focus more on my studies and personal growth without the added stress of financial burdens."
“I chose the Wells College program in Italy because it offers in immersive experience in one of the world's most historically and culturally rich countries. I am excited to explore the treasures that Italy has to offer and to learn new perspectives.
I think studying abroad will have a big impact on my future by giving me a broader global perspective, improving my cultural awareness, and boosting my adaptability and problem-solving skills. Being immersed in a different cultural and academic environment will offer unique insights and experiences that will be really valuable for my personal growth and professional career.”
Academic Year 2024 – 2025
Tristen Wendling is a fourth-year student double majoring in German and political science from Riverside, Iowa. Wendling will participate in the Academic Year in Freiburg program in Germany.
"The Leona Zaharis Scholarship is an incredible chance for me, a first-generation student, to recognize my family's sacrifices and ancestry; enabling me to pursue academic and personal development. This scholarship supports my continued involvement at the University of Iowa and abroad, where I continually aim to integrate my family's German heritage into my academic and career choices. It motivates my ambition to inspire other first-generation students and embrace diverse cultures, especially with my upcoming year abroad in Freiburg. In a similar way, the scholarship also enables me to write my own story, emphasizing the importance of nontraditional paths for education."
“I selected the Academic Year in Freiburg program to not only complete my major in German in a German-speaking country, but also to expose myself to the diversity of Europe and the transformative nature of Freiburg, which I hope will mold the most formative years of my life.
The study abroad experience will have an impact on my life by immersing me in a whole continent's different cultures, introducing me to new customs, and encouraging me to live a less materialistic lifestyle. I feel that my time in Freiburg will also broaden my job opportunities, allowing me to embark on the next stages of my life with an array of individuals who will support me through both successes and setbacks.”
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.