Four University of Iowa students have been awarded the Leona Zaharis Scholarship to support their study abroad experiences in summer and fall 2026.
Established by alumna Cathy Zaharis (BBA finance ‘82) in honor of her mother, the scholarship reflects Leona Zaharis’ lifelong curiosity about the world and belief in the importance of exploration. Though she never attended college, Leona embraced opportunities to travel and experience different cultures, a value that inspired her daughter to create a fund that helps first-generation students do the same.
Meet this year’s recipients:
Sercie Gee, a junior majoring in public health with minors in sociology and leadership studies, is studying abroad in summer 2026 on the Maternal Health Abroad program in the Netherlands.
“I chose this program because it combined two things I'm passionate about: public health and learning about different cultures. Studying abroad gives me the chance to see healthcare and public health in action outside the U.S. while stepping outside my comfort zone and gaining a global perspective. It is an experience I know will help me grow both personally and professionally.
"Receiving the Leona Zaharis Scholarship means so much to me... It allows me to focus on learning, exploring, and making the most of my experience abroad rather than worrying as much about the financial burden."
Receiving the Leona Zaharis Scholarship means so much to me because it helped make this incredible opportunity possible. It allows me to focus on learning, exploring, and making the most of my experience abroad rather than worrying as much about the financial burden. I'm incredibly grateful for the support and for the chance to create memories and experiences that will stay with me long after this program.”
Mayra Gomez, a senior majoring in political science with minors in Latina/o/x studies and gender, women’s, and sexuality studies, and a member of the honors program, is studying abroad in fall 2026 on the USAC Santiago program.
“I chose Chile because of my Latinidad; I wanted to explore a country where I could form a closer connection to both my background and culture. While Chilean culture varies from Mexican culture, the shared Latin experience was important in my choice. Similarly, as I work towards a career in both law and academia, I want to diversify my background to better serve future clients and students.
"Just as Leona Zaharis aspired, this award signifies my ability to pursue my curiosity in regions beyond the U.S. Never would I have imagined leaving my small town in Iowa, let alone traveling outside the country during my academic journey to meet that curiosity.”
In this regard, studying abroad was an important decision concerning representation. Just like many other first-generation students, I didn’t realize how tangible studying abroad was thanks to the University of Iowa scholarships. Despite my time at Iowa quickly coming to an end, I wanted to pursue study abroad to know I fully took advantage of all there was to offer.
I am incredibly grateful to receive the Leona Zaharis Scholarship. Being a recipient reflects the work I’ve put into not only getting to college as a first-generation student, but also for the continued pursuit of opportunities.
Just as Leona Zaharis aspired, this award signifies my ability to pursue my curiosity in regions beyond the U.S. Never would I have imagined leaving my small town in Iowa, let alone traveling outside the country during my academic journey to meet that curiosity.”
Amy Hernandez, a junior majoring in counseling and behavioral health services with a minor in psychology, is studying abroad in fall 2026 on the Wells in Florence program in Italy.
“I chose the Wells in Florence program because I’ve always dreamt of traveling to Italy and studying in a city as historic as Florence, which felt like a great fit. I was especially drawn to this program because of the strong support system it provides for students, including housing assistance, welcome and farewell dinners, and a structured community that helps ease the transition to living abroad.
"As a first-gen Latina, this scholarship carries even deeper meaning because it represents encouragement and investment in my academic and personal journey."
Receiving the Leona Zaharis Scholarship has made my dream of studying abroad a reality. Without this support, this opportunity would not have been possible for me. As a first-gen Latina, this scholarship carries even deeper meaning because it represents encouragement and investment in my academic and personal journey.
Studying abroad in Italy has been a long-standing goal of mine, and this award allows me to fully participate in an experience that will challenge me to grow both personally and academically. I am incredibly grateful for this support, as it not only makes this experience possible but also motivates me to make the most of every opportunity.”
Karlie Laugesen, a junior majoring in criminology, law, and justice with minors in ancient civilization and English, is studying abroad in summer 2026 on the Ancient Perspectives program in Greece.
“As an ancient civilizations minor, I knew I had to visit Greece at some point to see all the architecture and artifacts that I've studied. Ancient Perspectives, Modern Eyes was an ideal program for me for many other reasons as well. This program has allowed me to not only see but interact with both the ancient and modern Greek world, which was why I chose to study abroad. I believe that it is important to learn about the ancient world in the context of our current world and each version of it throughout history. What better way to draw connections than to immerse yourself in that world?
"I am able to study and appreciate ancient civilizations more deeply thanks to the Leona Zaharis Scholarship and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me.”
Receiving the Leona Zaharis Scholarship means so much to me. It means that I am able to experience what I've studied first-hand and share that knowledge with my friends and family. It means that I can walk on the same ground as the ancient civilizations that came before me. It means that I can afford to celebrate antiquity with other like-minded students as we teach and inspire one another. I am able to study and appreciate ancient civilizations more deeply thanks to the Leona Zaharis Scholarship and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me.”
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.