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International Night returns along with several revamped ISSS programs

One of the University of Utah’s beloved annual events, International Night, will be making its in-person return on Friday, November 18 of this year, for the first time since 2019.

The night will include food, performances from international students and local groups, and tabling by international student clubs as a way to celebrate the diverse global population at the U.

The effort is spearheaded by the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)’s new Orientation Coordinator, Addison Eckhoff (BA Linguistics & Religious Studies ’18 / MA Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies ’20), who is revamping a number of ISSS programs, the capacity of which were greatly limited during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of these is the International Ambassador program, through which students (predominantly international) offer a comprehensive and engaging orientation geared specifically toward incoming international students.

International orientation was held online through electronic forms and webinars from 2020 through the spring of 2022. In preparation for this fall semester, however, the 10 newly-appointed international ambassadors hosted a hybrid orientation, and plan to hold social events throughout the year to help international students get adjusted to life in the U.S., and feel at home at the U.

“I am so excited about the new opportunities that we have for this semester and into the future,” says Eckhoff. “After the pandemic slowed down our in-person capabilities, we had to adjust … Now that we are able to meet in-person much more, we look forward to reimagining what our international orientation and engagement process looks like.”

Another exciting resurgence is that of the International Student Council (ISC), a student organization supervised by ISSS whose purpose is to provide resources and support to the U’s international student community.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, ISC remained active through online events and limited-capacity, in-person gatherings. The group held a fully synchronous International Night in the spring of 2021, complete with a K-Pop dance tutorial and breakout rooms for cultural awareness education.

In the following fall semester, ISC hosted an International Showcase, where cultural clubs at the U tabled and shared parts of their cultures, safely distanced from one another.

This fall, the International Student Council will once again take on the responsibility of hosting a large-scale, in-person International Night as the headlining event for International Education Week. The event aims to spotlight the diverse international community and bring the greater University community together as well.

“We are very much looking forward to holding in-person events and fostering a sense of community for our international students after three long years. We will offer as much as we can to help all international students this year,” says Andy Pan, peer advisor for ISSS and the 2022-2023 vice president for ISC.

International Education Week 2022 will take place from Monday, November 14 through Friday, November 18 this fall. The week is a unique collaborative effort between several departments at the U – including all three Global U offices, the Hinckley Institute of Politics, the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity, the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs, the International Studies Program, the Division of Public Health, and the University of Utah Asia Campus.

The week will include a series of both in-person and virtual events aimed at increasing awareness of the international community at the U, and educating the public through direct engagement with diverse cultures from around the world.

For more information on International Education Week, head over to global.utah.edu/iew.
To learn more about the revitalized ISSS programs, visit isss.utah.edu.
Applications for International Student Council membership can be found on getinvolved.utah.edu (look for the International Student Council on the website).

New Global U Leaders Bring Fresh Expertise

Three new leaders will soon join the University of Utah’s Office for Global Engagement (OGE). The three will offer vision and oversight for outgoing student mobility; support for incoming international students and scholars; and program development and risk mitigation, respectively.

Alexandra Wallace will fill the role of Director for Learning Abroad in mid-May,
Anastasia Fynn will become the U’s new Director of International Student & Scholar Services in July, and,
Parker Pflaum will join the office as the new Associate Director for Global Engagement and Risk Management at the beginning of June.

“These are critical roles for our campus as we strive to meet this moment of engaging globally in a pandemic-impacted world,” said Brian Gibson, the U’s Chief Global Officer. “Each of these individuals was selected for the wealth of personal and professional experience, and deep regard for the importance of international education they offer.”

Gibson noted that the incoming directors’ efforts will focus on ushering in, “a new era of collaboration, both within OGE, as well as with other administrative offices and academic units at the U. Our campus will benefit greatly from their leadership as we seek to be even more globally-engaged as an institution.”

Learn more about each of the new directors:

Alexandra Wallace

Alexandra Wallace

Alexandra Wallace joins the University of Utah as the Director of Learning Abroad. Having initiated a variety of learning abroad programs throughout her career, in particular freshman year programs, her professional expertise will be critical as OGE works to reimagine and restructure the U’s approach to learning abroad.

Wallace will be responsible for providing leadership to the Learning Abroad team and serving as a campus advocate for academic programs abroad. She has been in the field of International Education for well over a decade, with a background in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in China, South Korea, and Costa Rica; F-1 student advising; and faculty-led program development and implementation.

Most recently, she served as the Manager of Global Faculty-Led Programs at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. There, Wallace worked to develop new programs with faculty, mapped out short-term and semester programs with providers, and tirelessly ensured students’ success abroad.

“I believe the world needs international education now more than ever. Our students can impact their communities by learning abroad and building bridges with others,” said Wallace. “I’m excited to join a team that strives to provide programming that creates a sustainable community that puts diversity, inclusion, and equity in its core values.”

Wallace traces her passion for international education back to her semester abroad as an undergraduate student in Nanjing, China. While in her master’s program, she also completed a month-long, faculty-led program in Costa Rica, where she received her TESOL certificate. Alexandra has a B.A. in International Relations and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arkansas. She also holds an M.A. in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute.

In her free time, Wallace enjoys making tagines, shopping for antiques, and, of course, exploring the world.

Anastasia Fynn

Anastasia Fynn

As an international student and an immigrant from Ghana, Anastasia Fynn’s lived experience will inform her empathetic approach to leading the U’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services. “I am eager to leverage my deep understanding of international student life and immigration policies to help facilitate student resettlement and transition procedures,” said Fynn.

Fynn has a decade of experience in international education, and was most recently the Director for International Student & Scholar Office at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. She brings experience in providing strategic vision and leadership, ensuring immigration compliance, training and coaching, overseeing operations and workflow management, liaising with campus stakeholders and providing programmatic support for international students and scholars services.

Fynn is passionate about international student advocacy and believes there is a direct correlation between academic success and immigration compliance. To this end, she volunteers for several International Education organizations, such as the Association of International Education (NAFSA).

“I believe in an interdependent world, where it is essential for students, faculty, and staff to have the opportunity to become personally and intellectually familiar with the people, ideas and customs of other nations,” Fynn said. “Such interaction not only promotes a universal perspective and intellectual growth, but it also contributes to the cultural and economic well-being of the university.”

Fynn holds a B.A. in English and Political Science from the University of Ghana and an MBA in International Business from Strayer University. She enjoys cooking and sharing new recipes, travel, reading, watching jeopardy, and spending time with her family.

Parker Pflaum

Parker Pflaum

Parker Pflaum has lived in numerous countries and personally contributed to multiple learning abroad programs—both as participant and planner. This background makes him intimately familiar with the inherent risks facing students who study abroad. Parker’s entrepreneurial background will be especially useful as OGE spearheads a number of new initiatives and programs.

“I’m looking forward to thoughtfully developing new opportunities—especially for underrepresented and diverse students—to participate in off-campus programs. I hope to help resolve any process barriers and roadblocks which prevent or discourage students from studying abroad,” said Pflaum. He will also be tasked with monitoring the U’s post-pandemic risk management processes to ensure participant health and wellbeing.

Pflaum was most recently Assistant Director of Study Away and Global Learning at Concordia College, where he led a team that increased study abroad participation to pre-pandemic levels, managed over 70 learning abroad programs, and built out several new programs and partnerships.

For nine years, Pflaum lived out of a backpack on the road, managing experiential and immersive cultural-exchange programs for Where There Be Dragons (an international school in Boulder, Colorado) in 15 developing countries. He holds an M.A. in East Asian Regional Studies from Harvard University and a B.A. in Chinese and History from the University of Florida.

Pflaum enjoys getting lost in cities, high and low brow reading, biking in urban areas, gardening, and walking really long distances.

The J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program

As University officials vet candidates for various on-campus appointments, a common question arises, “Can I extend an offer to a visiting foreign scholar”? The answer to this question is yes! Although there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met, visiting on a J-1 visa is one of the options the University can use to host a foreign scholar for an appointment of research, teaching, collaboration, and/or observation.

Since 1951, the University of Utah has been a designated “sponsor” of a J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) Program, also known as “BridgeUSA.” The EV Program was established by the U.S. Department State for the purpose of promoting the interchange of knowledge and skills among foreign and American scholars. It does so by providing foreign scholars, also known as “exchange visitors”, an opportunity to share ideas with their American colleagues, participate in educational and professional programs, confer on common problems and projects, promote professional relationships, and bring people together.

The U sponsors J-1 Exchange Visitors (EVs) in six categories: Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist, Student, and Student-Intern. EVs can have various backgrounds, such as experienced researcher or professor, current student, post doc, and medical doctors. They can also visit for various reasons, including academic appointments, internships required for graduation, as well as to demonstrate or learn a special skill. This “exchange” serves as both an opportunity for the U to further its mission, and at the same time to help develop a visiting scholar’s expertise and skills, something for them to take home and share with colleagues in their home country. Through such an exchange, the University can have a unique role not only in shaping a visiting scholar’s career and personal experience, but also in having a positive impact beyond our borders.

As a reminder, an equally important objective of the EV Program is to promote cultural exchange and foreign diplomacy, and it is through these academic appointments that cultural exchange and foreign diplomacy can be accomplished. As participating hosts, we encourage academic departments to assist us in supporting and promoting these important objectives of the program.

Additionally, another advantage of this visa are the generous benefits provided to EV dependents (spouse or unmarried minor children) who are admitted to the U.S. in J-2 status. Dependents can study full-time or part-time, as well as seek employment, which can be located be on or off-campus. Although the employment option can be a significant benefit for dependents, it is not guaranteed. Employment authorization must be requested through USCIS and can take up to 3 months for adjudication, a benefit they are eligible to apply for only after arrival to the U.S.

For anyone interested in more information on hosting a visiting foreign scholar for an appointment at the U, please contact International Student and Scholar Services. We serve as the main resource for all exchange visitors and host academic departments, as well as act as a liaison to all applicable government agencies related to a visitor’s stay in J-1 visa status. We will assist in every step of the way!

Supplies Urgently Needed for Ukraine

Dr. Bogdana Schmidt

***As of July 13, 2022, the U is no longer accepting donations to the Utah for Ukraine Supply Drive, led by Dr. Bogdana Schmidt (Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health).

The outpouring of support has been absolutely inspiring and we are grateful to be part of this big-hearted community. The last shipment of 143 boxes was picked up July 14 and we hope to share some numbers illustrating the impact of our collective efforts soon.

Though we are no longer collecting on campus, donations are still appreciated through other organizations. If you wish to donate supplies, please direct them to the Utah Ukraine Association.

Thank you to everyone who supported this humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine.***

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Dr. Bogdana Schmidt, a urologic oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health, has been seeking ways to give back and support her native country during this time of need. With the aid of the Office of Global Engagement, a supply drive is currently underway to provide much-needed humanitarian relief for Ukrainian refugees.

“As a cancer surgeon I spend every day fighting for human life–for someone to have another year with their family, attend another wedding, meet a grandchild. To see the devastation of thousands of lives in a matter of days is soul crushing. I’m here today doing my job with my patients in Utah but my heart is with Ukraine and in these horrific times,” said Schmidt.

Members of the campus community are invited to drop off supplies at the following locations:

Office for Global Engagement (Gardner, room 3105)
Learning Abroad Office (Union, room 159)
International Student & Scholar Services Office (Union, room 410)
Biomedical Polymers Research Building (room 408C)
Huntsman Cancer Institute—Cancer Learning Center Multipurpose Room (6th floor, N6230)
Eccles Health Sciences Library

Schmidt is partnering with fellow Ukrainian and Urologic Oncologist Fellow at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Dr. Laura Bukavina. Bukavina is currently volunteering at the Ukraine-Poland border and is communicating directly with Schmidt and a non-profit partner, the Cleveland Maidan Association.

Schmidt met Dr. Laura Bukavina years ago at a medical conference and the two became fast friends. “It’s not every day you meet another female Ukrainian urologic oncologist,” said Schmidt, a provider at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute. The two doctors are now joining forces to collect supplies for the people of their homeland who are affected by the current conflict.

“Right now it’s very cold in Ukraine and they’re seeing a lot of cold-related injuries among refugees,” said Schmidt, noting an express need for coats and blankets.

Items urgently needed include:

All items should be new and unused. Thank you.

Clothing

~~Warm jackets for women and children~~
~~Blankets, hats, gloves~~
~~Sweaters~~
~~Children’s clothes all ages~~
We are no longer accepting clothing. Thank you.

Medical Supplies

Bandages ISRAELI EMERGENCY BANDAGE and Comparable in 4″, 6″ & 12″
Compact Bags BVM Manual Resuscitator
Vein Tourniquets NAR BOA IV – CONSTRICTING BAND 30-0009
Tactical Medical Backpacks and Shoulder Bags
Tourniquets: CAT GEN 7 (GEN6), SOFT, SAM
HALO CHEST SEALS, CELOX CHEST FOX SEAL & Comparable
Hemostatic Bandages QuickClot Combat Gauze & Comp.
Burn Aids BURNSHIELD HYDROGEL any form

Baby /Child Supplies

Diapers & wipes
Baby bottles
Formula
Children’s/baby medications (Tylenol, ibuprofen)
Children’s vitamins
Baby food/packets

Personal care

Towels
Tooth paste & brushes
Combs
Soap
Menstruation products

Food

Nonperishable food items

Groups or individuals interested in supplying medical equipment should contact Schmidt directly via email.

“I began my work at the U in October 2021, and I have been impressed with how friendly, compassionate, and caring this community is. I have been so grateful for the support and love I have received from my Utah colleagues who know how hard it is for me to see images of my hometown in rubble,” said Schmidt.

Once collected, the materials will be sent directly to refugees by Schmidt and distributed with the help of the Cleveland Maidan Association.

ABOUT CLEVELAND MAIDAN ASSOCIATION

Started in 2014 as an effort by members of the Ukrainian diaspora to provide financial aid to those who were wounded or the families of those who died during the Euromaidan Revolution in Kyiv. As a new conflict arose in eastern Ukraine, the Association began to also provide financial and material support to the families of those wounded or killed during the war. The CMA is a certified 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Fulbright Celebrates 75 Years of Building Bridges

In 1945, as the world was reeling from the aftermath of World War II, James William Fulbright—a U.S. senator from Arkansas—proposed the creation of a program aimed at averting future nuclear wars. The concept was founded in Fulbright’s belief that connecting people from different countries would ultimately foster greater understanding and cooperation between their nations. Fulbright came to call this “converting nations into peoples.”

Seventy-five years later the Fulbright program has become the largest exchange program in history. The original spirit of reciprocity endures and is part of what makes the program unique. Eleven students arrived at the Salt Lake City campus in Fall 2021—the U’s largest incoming class of “Fulbrighters,” as participants call themselves— representing 10 different countries. The U also hosts four continuing Fulbrighters, along with three Fulbright alumni who have progressed to doctoral studies. In total, 14 countries are represented on campus.

What does it mean to be a “Fulbrighter?”

Students participate in the Fulbright Program in one of three ways: some serve as foreign language teaching assistantships in local schools, some students pursue graduate study, and other awardees work on research projects related to their destination country.

The program is “bilateral,” meaning that students come to the U.S. from other nations, and the U.S. State Department sends around 2,000 students out internationally each year. This year, eight U students were selected as Fulbright semi-finalists, and two received awards to represent the U.S. abroad. For the 2022 application cycle, 22 U students applied for a Fulbright award, the second largest number of applications on record.

Bringing the Fulbright Program to the U

“Every student fulfills certain obligations related to their program goals,” said Dr. Howard Lehman, professor, Political Science and director, Fulbright Academy at the U. “You do your work, but the larger philosophical goal is to get out of the lab, or classroom, and go to the grocery store, take trips, and really interact with those you meet. Every participant is a cultural ambassador.”

Lehman received three Fulbright Scholar awards of his own as a faculty member. It was when he returned to teach after his last fellowship that he realized the need for a larger Fulbright presence at the U.

“There had been a couple of students who had won awards, but there was really no coordinated promotion or support of the program. Today, I’m passionate about helping U students create winning applications,” said Lehman.

As a top-tier research university with international work at the heart of its mission, Lehman felt the U had more to contribute. In the seven years since he started a concerted effort promoting Fulbright, 27 students have received the sought-after award.

The Fulbright Way

Caitlin Silianoff

“It’s hard to track the many deep impacts that my Fulbright has had in all aspects of my life—it really feels like this experience molded my personal and professional worldviews. I spent a lot of time out of my comfort zone, which opened me up to exciting challenges and memorable experiences,” said Caitlin Silianoff of her experience. Silianoff was awarded a fellowship to teach English in Taiwan and graduated from the U in 2020 in International Studies.

“These students stand out,” said Kendra Taylor, Sponsored Student Coordinator for the office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Regardless of whether they are coming into the U.S. or going out to other countries, Fulbrighters have a reputation that can be summed up in one word — involved. “They are all heavily involved in the community–both on campus and at large. They are engaged on a whole other level.”

Fulbright Changes Lives

Joaquín Lopez-Huertas

“Fulbrighters are essentially curious,” said Lehman. There’s a feeling when you’re a part of the Fulbright program that you don’t want to waste a minute. Fulbrighters really try to embrace the moment; they tend to be busy every day exploring and learning. And, for many of these students, the experience is truly life-changing.”

The Fulbright Program operates in over 160 countries around the world, and many students are exposed to living conditions abroad that are vastly different than their home country through their fellowship.

“I realized that every day of my program at the University of Utah costs the same as the minimum monthly wage of an indigenous family living in extreme poverty in rural Guatemala,” said Joaquín Lopez-Huertas, a 2021 Fulbrighter at the U studying City & Metropolitan Planning. “This is a reminder that I received an opportunity in which I must do my best.”

Aziz Abuzayed

“Coming to Utah from occupied Gaza, this is not just a cultural and academic exchange opportunity,” said Political Science graduate student Aziz Abuzayed. “It is also another chance at a normal life, where I am not in constant fear for my life even if I just sit at home.”

Many students who complete a Fulbright at the U enjoy their time in Utah so much that they even chose to return for further study.”Students become major ambassadors for the University of Utah and they go back and tell their friends what a wonderful place it is,” said Taylor.

A Bright Future

At the beginning of the fall semester, the 2021 class of incoming Fulbrighters had the opportunity to meet each other at an outdoor potluck hosted by ISSS. It was a joyous celebration of international friendship made sweeter by the rarity of social interaction since the beginning of the pandemic. (Several awardees had to postpone their fellowships until travel restrictions were lifted.) Over shared dishes from their home countries, the group began to build the bridges Senator Fulbright envisioned over 75 years ago.

“The Fulbright Program’s mission is to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs and thereby increase the chance that nations will learn at last to live in peace and friendship,” said Fulbright when founding the program.

It’s a mission the U is proud to continue to play a part in.

How to apply

Students can explore opportunities through the U by visiting the Fulbright Academy website or by emailing Dr. Lehman.

International Alumni? ISSS wants to hear from you!

The International Student & Scholar Services Office is connecting with international alumni from all over the world through their newly launched International Alumni Survey.

In addition to discovering the amazing things alumni have been doing since finishing their degree, the office aims to gather advice for incoming international students about how to have a successful and enjoyable experience at the U. From favorite professor, class, or local restaurant, previous students can offer valuable tips to the students who follow them.

“We have thousands of international alumni from over 100 different countries, yet many students around the world are not familiar with Utah. When international alumni share their experience with prospective students, they help spread the word about all of the amazing things Utah has to offer–from a top-rate education to world-class skiing and five incredible national parks–and how students can make the most of their time here,” said Kendra Taylor, ISSS Sponsored Student Coordinator.

ISSS is also looking to provide more ways for students to stay engaged with the University of Utah after they graduate and is partnering with the Alumni Office to establish more international alumni clubs.

Clubs allow U alumni to network with other former students in their region, and to stay connected with current events and happenings at their alma mater. To help gauge interest and identify locations for new chapters, all international U students are invited to participate in the survey.

Alumni who fill out the International Alumni Survey may also be featured on the ISSS website, newsletters, and social media.

Guiding “Global U”

Dear colleagues,

As we wade into a new school year, I find myself struck by the privilege of new beginnings–the air alive with excitement as we take what we know into fresh chapters and prepare ourselves to receive new lessons.

After joining the Office for Global Engagement in late June, I’ve been immersed in this listening and learning phase all summer. I want to thank those of you who have reached out to welcome me to the U. I also appreciate those who have been generous with their knowledge of what is working well and what is still needed.

OGE, Learning Abroad, and International Students & Scholars will be working together to integrate this knowledge into how we serve our campus community and global partners. This letter offers an opportunity to share three principles that will guide that work:

1) We believe international engagement is at the core of a university’s work.
“Global” is sometimes spoken as a specific thing separate and apart from other University activities. I believe it to be an integral part of a University of Utah education–an all-encompassing state of mind that allows us to navigate and contribute to our modern world.

2) We are student-centered.
Whenever we embark upon a new initiative, our impulse will be to ask “how is this going to impact students?” We will strive to create global experiences that enhance their understanding of the world and prepare them well for life after campus.

3) We take equity, diversity, and inclusion seriously.
These principles require the cultivation of awareness, dedication, intentionality, and proactiveness. We shall continue to increase access for underserved groups while being mindful to never leave any community behind. We are also uniquely positioned to architect international opportunities diverse in geography and discipline.

I will be working closely with my team over the fall semester to enhance our office’s structure and ability to support these principles.

I’d like to invite you to reach out to me directly to Brian’s email: b.gibson@utah.edu, if you have a question about how the concept of “Global U” fits into your unit; we are eager to provide assistance, connection, and thought-partnership.

I have been impressed by our community’s desire to engage internationally and look forward to working with you all.

Toward an even more Global U,

Brian Gibson

International Alumni: Muhammad Aiman Arashid

International Alumni Profile
Muhammad Aiman Arashid
Malaysia

ISSS recently launched an International Alumni Survey to connect with international alumni from all over the world, discover the amazing things they’ve accomplished since finishing their degree, and gather their advice to incoming international students about how to have a successful and enjoyable experience at the U.

Today we introduce you to Muhammad Aiman Arashid, a 2018 graduate from Malaysia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and now works as a lab technician at US Magnesium. In the fall of 2021, Arashid will head back to the U to begin his master’s studies in Occupational Health with an emphasis in Industrial Hygiene. Read on to learn more about his experience.

Muhammad Aiman Arashid

Why did you choose to study at the University of Utah?
The University of Utah chemistry program ranks in Top 100 Chemistry Schools in the United States. The U also is located in the heart of Salt Lake City which is beautiful and is my favourite place in Utah.

How did your experience at the University of Utah help prepare you for your future career goals?
The University of Utah have shaped me to become a well-rounded person by providing a balance between studies and social life through variety of classes and social events. My time at the U of U Chemistry Department also helped me so much by giving me early exposure of a lot of instruments that I am using right now in the chemical industry.

The U held multiple career fairs every year which help me to put myself out there to employers even when I was still a freshman. Those experiences of being able to meet the recruiters every year is so valuable to me especially during job interviews. I was able to improve my communication and build confidence in myself.

Did you have a mentor, teacher or other staff member at the University of Utah who inspired you?
I look up very much to Dr. Peter B. Armentrout. He is the Henry Eyring Presidential Endowed Chair of Chemistry. I look up to him because he is a person who is very successful in his career, takes care of his health and is a very humble, kind person who always helps others. Dr. Armentrout has always encouraged me to keep going even though I was having a hard time during my studies. My time working under his research group also increased my knowledge, gave me experiences in using new instruments and allowed me to see what a graduate student life is like as I got to work with them.

What is one thing you learned at the University of Utah that you will never forget?
That you should never ever gave up on yourself. There is always a solution or alternative and you just have to look for it. Let people know that you need help and there will be someone out there who is ready and willing to help.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing your professional career?
Experience is the key. Keep learning and take the chance to use all the laboratory instruments available during your studies. Internship experience will also help you to prepare yourself for the chemical industry since you get to know first-hand the importance of accuracy of laboratory results in real life. It matters to the point that it could affect someone’s life if it is done wrong.

What was your favorite class at the U of U, and why?
Expository Wrtg for EAS (EAS 1060). I got to meet all other international students from all over the world and the class improved my writing significantly thanks to Melissa who is an amazing teacher.

What was your favorite place you visited in Utah, and why?
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. I got the chills every time I started at the top of mountain route before snowboarding. The view is always breathtaking and snowboarding is exhilarating.

…

Are you a former international student at the U? Click here to fill out the International Alumni Survey, and ISSS could feature your alumni story on their website, newsletters, and social media!

New Chief Global Officer Named

Brian Gibson

University of Utah Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dan Reed announced Brian Gibson has been named the university’s new chief global officer.

Gibson, a noted leader of internationalization and global engagement efforts, joins the U after most recently serving as executive director of George Mason University’s Global Education Office. He will assume his new role July 1 and will be working both on campus and remotely until students return for the Fall semester.

“Brian Gibson joins the University of Utah at a moment of incredible global transition and change,” Reed said. “His expertise in building international education networks will be essential as the university strengthens its support for international students, learning abroad initiatives, and campuses and learning programs around the world.”

In five years at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, Gibson founded the university’s Global Education Office and oversaw global learning programs, which doubled in size during his tenure, growing from 900 to 1,700 students. He managed more than 200 global programs, launching the university’s first experiential learning program and developing its first travel safety and security system.

Before his time at George Mason, Gibson led Northeastern University’s Global Experience Office for two years. From 2012 to 2014, he was a visiting professor at City University of Hong Kong; and from 2006 to 2012, Gibson was Columbia University’s assistant dean for Comparative and International Programs. He served as acting branch chief for the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Office from 2004 to 2006.

At the U, Gibson will be responsible for leading the Office of Global Engagement, leading the planning and execution of strategic internationalization initiatives, including the Utah Asia Campus, where student enrollment has grown to more than 400 students studying in six undergraduate and two master’s degree programs. He will be a member of the Academic Affairs leadership team.

Gibson said his passion for global engagement started with a transformative experience in high school, when he was a foreign exchange student to Sweden.

“Our conversations must always start and end with students,” Gibson said. “I see global engagement at the center of this swirling mass of creativity, research, discovery and enrichment, where we broaden our diversity and align strengths between our international partners and our faculty and broader university community. Indeed, robust global engagement is a fundamental objective of the university and it is everyone’s job, not just the Office of Global Engagement.”

Gibson’s research focuses on African customary law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in International Economics and a J.D. in Comparative and International Law from Georgetown University, and a master’s degree from Columbia University. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Amsterdam.

Gibson succeeds Chris Ireland, who is retiring after serving as the university’s chief global officer since 2018.

‘Minari’ takes home an Academy Award

Congratulations to University of Utah alumnus Lee Isaac Chung MFA ’04 for his Academy Award nominations at the 93rd annual ceremony on Sunday, April 25, 2021. His film “Minari” deservingly received six nominations including best director, screenwriter, actor, supporting actress, original score and picture.

The film’s big moment of the night was Yuh-Jung Youn’s well-deserved win in the best supporting actress category. Youn portrays the family grandmother in the film, which has been lauded as a soaring ode to the experience of some immigrants, particularly those of Asian descent who settled in rural America.

Chung is a graduate of the U’s Department of Film & Media Arts in the College of Fine Arts and was also a professor at the University’s Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea. Chung taught special courses including Introduction to Documentary Studies, Film History until 1952, Screenwriting I and Advanced Documentary Filmmaking in the film & media arts program for two semesters in 2018 and 2019. During his time at the U Asia Campus, Chung took students to Busan International Film Festival where he invited Youn to share her story with his students.

The film and media arts program has quickly become one of the most popular programs offered at U Asia Campus. The program launched in 2017, with just 11 students and more than 50 students were admitted to the program in 2020.

The film and media arts department on the U Asia Campus hosted a virtual screening event of Chung’s “Minari” ahead of the Oscars ceremony.

An exclusive screening event of “Minari” was held for staff and faculty on the U Asia Campus with English subtitles in partnership with the local theatre chain, MegaBox, with COVID-19 protocols observed. After the screening attendees had a conversation about the movie where many of the faculty applauded the storyline and screenplay and engaged in an in-depth discussion about the distinctive way Chung approached the film’s ending.

Learn more about Chung’s path to the Oscars.