Summer 2024 was a time to celebrate global connections and reaffirm the role partners around the world play in creating opportunities for international exchange.
Dean Frances Vavrus and a delegation of university leaders and faculty, including Chancellor Mnookin, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Derek Kindle, WSB Dean Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, WFAA Chief Alumni Office and Executive Director Sarah Schutt, WFAA President Alisa Robertson, and several other faculty and staff members, embarked on a series of engagements focused on celebrating alumni connections, student recruitment, forging and strengthening institutional partnerships, and exploring pathways for the future.
See some of Dean Vavrus’ favorite moments from the visits, which took place in June.
Dean Vavrus travelled in June to Astana, Kazakhstan, to celebrate the newest graduates of Nazarbayev University and to sign an agreement that will lay the foundation for a new era of partnership between UW and NU. Dean Vavrus and two members of the Division’s International Projects Office—Ginny Martin and Pasha Prem— also met with prospective Badgers at Quantum STEM School, sharing opportunities available through UW–Madison and answering their questions about living and learning in Madison.In Seoul, Dean Vavrus and External Relations Director Maj Fischer visited Ewha Womans University, one of UW-Madison’s exchange partners. In addition to the ongoing partnership, UW has additional connections through 19 faculty members who are alumni. It was a pleasure meeting with VP for International Affairs Inhan Kim and other university representatives.Korea University (KU), a top university in Korea, in many ways feels like being home in Madison, thanks to similarities like the school colors and the administration building situated atop a hill with sweeping views of campus and the city beyond. KU President Kim Dong-One is a UW–Madison alumnus and continues to exemplify the Wisconsin Idea through his leadership. The delegation was well-received at KU and enjoyed discussions of future areas for collaboration.Korea Development Bank is a leading financial institution in Korea and across Asia, driving the country’s economic priorities and working to advance key sectors for the present and future. KDB is led by Kang Seog Hoon, a UW alumnus who also serves as president of the WAA-Korea Alumni Association.Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University are often referred to as the SKY universities, similar to America’s Ivy League. Yonsei University is also an established partner of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a visit with university leaders strengthened this relationship and fostered discussion on areas for exchange.Alumni and friends gathered in Seoul to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the university. It was a night to share memories, hopes, inspiration, and visions for the future. We are so grateful for UW alumni who continue to be champions for the university and open doors for new generations of Badgers.A meeting with Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at Sa Pathum Palace was a special occasion for university delegates and representatives of UW’s WAA-Thailand chapter. HRH has been instrumental in furthering the work of WIPAC (Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center) and sponsoring Thai scholars for educational opportunities at UW–Madison.The chancellor presented HRH with a gift of three tiles from the Royal Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, which is itself a unique symbol of friendship between Thailand and UW.A common thread between the engagements in Korea and Thailand were the 175th anniversary celebrations with UW’s alumni. The above event in Bangkok brought many together to celebrate past connections and forge new ones. International alumni play a major role in creating opportunities for new collaborations, growing the global reputation of the university, and inspiring future generations of Badgers. It was incredible celebrating with UW’s dedicated alumni.Many in the UW group joined Thai alumni for a tour of Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Thailand and an early center for education in the country. The UW delegation also enjoyed the honor of being received by the abbot of Wat Pho. It was a pleasure for the group to view and learn about such a significant cultural site while in Thailand.An evening gathering with WAA-Thailand alumni on the Chao Phraya River was a way to recreate history while forging new memories. This cruise echoed one embarked upon decades earlier by alumni.
The visit to Chiang Mai University provided an opportunity for Dean Vavrus to discuss with senior leadership key research priorities for our two institutions.She also met with Thai students who have been to UW–Madison to work on the IceCube project and have been sponsored by the princess to do so. Albrecht Karle, who directs the project, and Jennifer Kushner, Director of CALS Global, are in the photo.Dr. Kushner also joined the dean and Ms. Fischer in visiting the Language Institute at Chiang Mai University, our partner in the Southeast Asian Flagship Languages Initiative.
