Dear all,
Welcome to summer! Graduation marks the kickoff to longer days, warmer temperatures, and hopefully, a slower pace from the academic year. It is also a time to vaunt the accomplishments of our students, and International Programs (IP) has much to celebrate.
On May 1, IP held its annual International Student Success event. This is always a proud occasion, as it acknowledges the academic achievements of our international students as well as their perseverance and determination in the face of deeply challenging circumstances. At this event, IP presents several awards to our undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Categories include cultural bridge-building, programming and initiatives, wellness, rising star, leadership, and academics. Each of the winners and nominees serves as an inspiration to our entire campus community. We remember that international students are not only adjusting to a different learning environment, but are coping with cultural, administrative, and financial obstacles as well. Celebrating them showcases their many talents but also reminds us that supporting them must continue if Iowa is to maintain the respectful and welcoming environment it is known for.
On the heels of this celebration came another: the announcement that now 13 UI students and alumni have earned Fulbright awards for the academic year 2026-2027. Our list of winners is always impressive, but this year stands out for a wide range of projects and countries represented by the awardees. Both the Research/Study and English Teaching Assistant recipients are undertaking efforts that will, among other initiatives, promote literacy, study glacial runoff, spark community outreach, and launch radio broadcasts. In terms of the countries to which our awardees will be assigned, we note that locations such as North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Bahrain, and Tajikistan are among the corners of the globe where Iowa has new opportunities to plant the Hawkeye flag. Please take the time to read the profiles prepared by Ben Partridge from our Communications Team. Year after year, Ben does a tremendous job highlighting our achievements in the Fulbright space. Warm thanks and congratulations go of course to Karen Wachsmuth, Sylvia Dean, and our many faculty mentors who work tirelessly to coach our candidates through the application process. Karen and Sylvia also organized a Fulbright Recognition Reception for awardees, faculty, and staff at the beginning of the month to highlight the broad-based endeavor that is Team Fulbright here at Iowa.
As May concluded, we were privileged to welcome two delegation visits, one from Japan and the other from Taiwan. It was a delight to receive Mr. Masamine Tamai from Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (NUFS) during his whirlwind tour of the U.S. NUFS is a longstanding partner of the University of Iowa, as we have operated an exchange program for several years. On occasion, we have sent Japanese language students to NUFS. Given the growth in the UI’s Japanese program, the goal is to strengthen this collaboration soon.
Similarly, what a pleasure it was to see Chieh-Lan (Winnie) Li and Chi-Tong (Monica) Wang from Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) in Taiwan on our campus. We note that MCUT’s president is an Iowa alumnus who is keen on building partnerships with his alma mater. During their stay, Winnie and Monica met with colleagues from the College of Engineering, the Tippie College of Business, the Chinese language program, and the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies (CAPS). Winnie’s and Monica’s visit was an enjoyable and substantive follow up to my trip to Taiwan last December. IP’s strategic priorities involve building more opportunities for our students, staff, and faculty in the Indo-Pacific region, and partner engagements such as these go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.
As we congratulate our students and thank our partners, please let me express my warmest appreciation to you, our friends, as the school year ends, and the summer begins.
All the best,
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.