On October 8, the Wisconsin International Scholars Program (WISc) held its Fall 2024 Inauguration, marking the start of a new academic journey for the latest cohort of students. The event, hosted by key members of the program, celebrated the arrival of new WIScholars and highlighted the importance of global engagement in their educational experience.
WISc, launched in 2003 as an initiative of the International Division and International Academic Programs, is committed to fostering global leadership and academic excellence. Melody Niwot, Associate Director of WISc, alongside Dr. Jolanda Vanderwal Taylor, Faculty Director of WISc, Leo Schauer, Program Manager of High Impact Programs, and Dr. Kate McCleary, Associate Dean of High Impact Programs, welcomed the students and emphasized the program’s rich history of international collaboration and academic success.
Melody Niwot facilitated the introduction of key guests, including colleagues from across campus. Representatives from the Wisconsin in Washington Program, International Student Services, University Library, International Studies Major, Peace Corps, International Academic Programs, and many other programs joined the event, reflecting the program’s strong interdisciplinary focus. They discussed various opportunities for international internships, study abroad programs, funding opportunities, and other academic resources. These conversations helped foster meaningful connections among attendees and enhance the scholars’ global learning experiences.
Also, new WIScholars had a chance to hear from alumna Sophie Hicks (’23 Spanish and Global Health). Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, as an undergrad Sophie excelled in doing what she could to continue to grow and expand her horizons. While study abroad programs were shut down, Sophie pursued a virtual internship as an English language teacher for a school in Panama. When things started to open up again was able to participate in the UW Health and Wellbeing program in Ecuador. Sophie’s presentation provided attendees with a deeper insight into the core mission of WISc. She emphasized its focus on cultivating a community of intellectually driven students eager to explore pressing global issues, ideas, and experiences during their undergraduate journey. By fostering this foundation of global engagement and cultural understanding, the program aims to equip students to become catalysts for meaningful, positive change in the world.
The annual inauguration and reception serves as a starting point for students to connect their academic interests with global challenges, enhancing the university’s mission of preparing students for leadership in a globally connected world.
Welcome First Year WIScholars (Class of 2028)
Octavia Ikard
Akesh Mallia
Ethan Wilson
Ananya David
Madison (Maddie) Tuffnell
Alyssa Durrant
Alice Zumbiel
Sydney Cretton
Jake Leismer
Anja Wassenberg
Courtney Urbanek
Gwenna McKee
Kaitlin Cassell
Youngjun Moon
Aayana Roy
Angeline Morgado