This past week has brought a hint of spring to campus with temperatures reaching into the upper 60s and the spirit of playfulness for which Badgers are known returning to Bascom Hill. As frisbees flew and laughter filled the hill, I was reminded of the importance of social connections in the work we do in the International Division.
The Spring Fulbright Social is one such example, and it served as the culminating event for Fulbright Week 2026. It was inspiring to meet students and scholars from many countries, including Czechia, India, Nigeria, Turkey, and the U.S., and to see them making connections that will extend well beyond this week of activities organized by UW-Madison’s Fulbright coordinator Mark Lilleleht. Despite the uncertainty of Fulbright-Hays funding for the upcoming academic year, we have strong numbers of applicants for the Fulbright U.S. Student and Scholar programs—stay tuned! And for those who missed out on Fulbright Week, please see the Fulbright at UW-Madison website for upcoming activities and contact information for our Fulbright coordinator.
We also recently held our spring meeting of the International Division’s Academic Planning Council (APC), which brings together colleagues from across campus who work on international education, research, and outreach. With members from multiple schools and colleges, the Division of Enrollment Management, and the Division of Continuing Studies, I always learn a great deal about the priorities of our colleagues and the opportunities for greater collaboration to reach our collective internationalization goals. This month’s meeting was bittersweet as we said goodbye to a good friend of the division, Associate Dean and Director Martin Rouse, who will be retiring next month after more than 30 years at UW-Madison. Martin played an instrumental role in the Visiting International Student Program, which supports students who seek short-term experiences on our campus and who may become degree-seeking students after they have been in Madison for a semester or two.
Later this month, I will be in Washington, DC for two events aimed at building relationships and strengthening connections to advance the work of the university. UW-Madison Day is an exciting event that brings together alumni and other campus champions to meet with members of Congress and their staff and share our stories of how this great university has changed our lives. The following day will be the spring meeting of our Board of Visitors, many of whom live on the East Coast and find it meaningful to gather in-person for discussions about our outstanding Wisconsin in Washington study away program and our efforts to strengthen alumni engagement across the country and around the world.
I hope you will continue to be a champion of the International Division wherever you may be and will help us make new connections with those who share our goal of bringing the world to Wisconsin and Wisconsin to the world.