Message From the Dean—October 2026

There are few signs of autumn as definitive as the golden leaves on Picnic Point, the red pullovers of pedestrians on State Street, and the pink flamingos sunning themselves on Bascom Hill! Fill the Hill is an annual fall event where supporters give to designated funds and, in return, receive a flamingo to place on Bascom Hill. This year, the International Division highlighted the Study Abroad Alumni and Friends Fund, and we had more than 50 generous donors who helped us raise more than $5,000. If you were a member of our Fill the Hill flock, thank you for supporting our goal of making studying abroad affordable for every student. And if you have not yet contributed to this fund or to one of our others, there is still time to fly over to our website and make a gift.

The excitement of Homecoming was felt throughout the week leading up to the big game because it was also International Education Week at UW–Madison. We have decided that this annual celebration of all things international should be held during the final week of September, when we hold the Study Abroad Fair. This year, members of our Board of Visitors participated in the fair and joined the more than 1,100 students who passed through Gordon Commons to talk with study abroad advisors and providers about the 300+ opportunities we offer around the world. The fair is one reason why we continue to be one of the top-ranked study abroad programs in the U.S. with our dedicated and innovative staff, and our supporters who help us keep costs down.

Dean Frances Vavrus and John Lange pose next to table at Study Abroad Fair
Dean Frances Vavrus and and BOV member John Lange visit the Africa and the Middle East table at the Study Abroad Fair.

Our Board of Visitors also learned about some of the challenges we are facing regarding the loss of federal support for our Peace Corps recruiter position, restrictions on international students’ practical training options, and ongoing uncertainty about federal funding for our area studies centers. Yet we spent far more of our time celebrating successes, such as the 16 UW–Madison students who received Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2026-2027 academic year. In addition, board members had lunch with some of our outstanding King-Morgridge Scholars and Wisconsin International Scholars whose enthusiasm and tenacity remind us of the very best qualities of Badgers.

Homecoming brings us together, back to the flock that has given so much to us and to which we offer our time, talent, and treasure.