The Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program is an honors enrichment program offered by the Division of International Studies for undergraduate students in any college or major who are interested in adding an international dimension to their education. The program provides students with scholarship, mentoring, and networking opportunities. In 2003, the program began with 10 students, and currently boasts 51 alumni and 60 students.
The new WISc scholars for 2010-2011 are: Marisa Aronson, Ann Berglund, Cole Bryant, Amanda Connors, Kimberly Feldman, Sadie Grunewald, Yamini Karandikar, Nina Longinovic, Rebecca Mandich, Sujoy Pereira, Kireeti Reddy, Cody Roehl, Mirabel Rouze, Adam Ruechel, and Sebastian Skarbek.
The WISc Program inauguration ceremony and reception were held Tuesday, October 12, 2010 in the Education Building’s Wisconsin Idea room. WISc faculty chair, Jolanda Vanderwal Taylor, associate professor of Dutch and German, presented the new students and Dean of the Division of International Studies Gilles Bousquet gave the welcoming remarks.
“This Program reinforces international mindedness,” said Dean Bousquet, who also stressed the importance of studying abroad. “Studying abroad is becoming a requirement, and students are now able to design their experiences according to their own goals.”
WISc alumna Liz Hartjes spoke about being part of the inaugural class of WISc students and the benefits of an international curriculum, no matter the major. She is now a graduate student at the Lafollette School of Public Affairs on campus.
Fourth year WISc student, Kelly Kopish commented that WISc is great because “… everyone is interested in the same things and I was given the opportunity to go abroad that may not have happened without the support of WISc.”
Through the acquisition of international knowledge and living the values of the university- learning, diversity, service, community- the WISc scholars are preparing to become global citizens and leaders who embody global talent for Wisconsin and the world.
By Flannery Geoghagen, Division of International Studies
Photos by Liliane Calfee