Gabby Kang, who will graduate in May 2025 from the University of Iowa (UI) with a BA in international studies and a minor in Spanish, received a Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Stretch, and Shuhui Lin, international education program and student affairs advisor for International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS), received the Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award.

Kang, currently an ISSS peer assistant, has served on the International Student Advisory Board and is an international constituency senator for the Undergraduate Student Government.

"Gabby’s personal and professional commitments to celebrating and promoting cultural differences, fostering connections, and empowering her peers make her an outstanding candidate for the Stretch Award."

Shuhui Lin, Kang's ISSS supervisor who nominated her for this award, highlighted the many reasons why she encapsulates what a recipient of the Stretch award should be.

"Gabby’s personal and professional commitments to celebrating and promoting cultural differences, fostering connections, and empowering her peers make her an outstanding candidate for the Stretch Award," said Lin. "She has consistently sought out ways to meet people who are different from her, taken classes in subjects she hadn’t studied before, and engaged in activities on and off-campus that were new to her. Gabby’s openness to considering new ideas and her respect for differences in backgrounds, perspectives, and beliefs, have helped her grow and develop essential skills for education, life, and work."

"Lin embodies the values of an exceptional advisor."

Lin was nominated for the Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award by Zhuolun Li, a graduate student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Program and president of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA).

"Lin embodies the values of an exceptional advisor," said Li. "She is approachable, supportive, and deeply invested in student success. Whether through one-on-one mentorship, executive board meetings, or campus-wide initiatives, she ensures that students gain leadership experience, develop confidence, and feel empowered to make a lasting impact."

The Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Awards recognize undergraduate students who exemplify the values promoted by The IOWA Challenge (excel, stretch, engage, choose, and serve) through their actions within the UI and surrounding communities.

The Outstanding Student Organization Advisor award recognizes advisors who significantly invest in student leaders and members, demonstrate integrity and respect, and creatively support and guide student organizations to achieve their goals.  

Kang and Lin were presented with their awards as part of the Hawkeye Excellence Awards Recognition Ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

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.