Dear all,

Welcome to summer!  

I hope this email finds you in good spirits as we head into the warmer months. Early June means we have just completed graduation ceremonies here at the University of Iowa (UI). It was my honor once again this year to read names at the doctoral hooding ceremony hosted by the UI’s Graduate College. Among the graduates are always many international students who have completed their advanced degrees and are now ready to pursue their careers and promote the Hawkeye brand across the world. Graduate students contribute greatly to Iowa’s research and teaching missions and seeing them walk across the stage after completing their programs of study is one of the most gratifying events of the year. It is a privilege for International Programs (IP) to have played a role in the success of both international and domestic doctoral students, as we have provided services and support to enhance their academic and professional careers.

Student success comes not only in the form of degrees but also prestigious awards and scholarships. Iowa continues its outstanding record of achievement in garnering Fulbright, Critical Language Scholarships, and Boren awards. Fulbright focuses on academic year research study and English teaching opportunities, while Critical Language Scholarships are immersive summer programs for languages deemed to be of strategic importance by the U.S. government. Boren Scholarships range from 12-52 weeks and center on specialized linguistic and cultural knowledge. Most of Iowa’s recipients are either current students or recent alumni who have made global education a core element of their time at Iowa. Such awards are intensely competitive and often life changing in nature. Iowa’s winners come from all walks of life, and in each case, their individual experience, expertise, and persistence have translated into this remarkable accomplishment. We should note that success in the realm of student scholarships does not limit itself to Fulbright, Critical Language, and Boren awards. Iowa is fortunate to have several internal awards including the Richard J. Tyner Scholarship, the Peace, Charlie One World Scholarship, the Global Access Ambassador awards, as well as Student Impact Grants. The number of recipients is too high to detail here. However, this compilation tells the human stories behind the awards and their winners.

Of course, such success is only possible through a team effort. In IP, our constituent units of International Student and Scholar Services, Communications and Relations, Study Abroad, International Fellowships, Grant Administration, the Reception Desk, as well as Business and Accounting all contribute to the outstanding service and results International Programs brings to campus year after year. We congratulate our students and ourselves on an excellent academic year 2024-2025, but know that an even stronger effort will be required in the future. We are ready and eager to embrace these challenges, especially with the knowledge that you, our friends and supporters, believe in our team and its mission.

Enjoy the summer 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.