The end of the academic year brings with it a lot of “lasts” for students at the University of Iowa. From their last final and walk across the Anne Cleary Walkway as students, to their last coffee with friends they first met on campus.
This year, though, international students and scholars get to experience a first in the final weeks of the semester at the university.
International students and scholars are invited to join International Programs for a celebration of community and achievement, coming together to reflect on and recognize the accomplishments of this academic year!
The inaugural Celebrating International Student Success event, held at ReUnion Brewery in downtown Iowa City on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 3 – 5 p.m. (CDT), will serve as a chance for international students, scholars, and their peers to come together for light food, refreshments, and an award ceremony honoring outstanding contributions and achievements by international students and scholars this year.
Register to attend Award nominations
“This event highlights the success of many international students on campus, in a culmination of a school year marked by perseverance,” shared Shuhui Lin, international student support & engagement coordinator for International Student & Scholar Services at the University of Iowa. “Students will come together with peers who have deeply contributed to community building, research, or leadership on our campus. It is a great opportunity to celebrate and build new connections within the university’s international community.”
In year’s past, International Programs has hosted end of the year celebrations and graduation ceremonies for international students and scholars, but this event brings the best of both of these events together, celebrating international student success across all stages of a student’s academic career and a chance for those graduating to get together one final time before graduation ceremonies in May.
The Celebrating International Student Success event is co-sponsored by International Programs, the Graduate College, the Tippie College of Business, and Graduate & Professional Student Government.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Shuhui Lin in advance at 319-335-0335 or shuhui-lin@uiowa.edu.
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.