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2019 Annual Conference Recap
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From October 16-18th, study abroad professionals from around the world came to Chicago for the 2019 IES Abroad Annual Conference. We enjoyed meeting new colleagues and reconnecting with long-time friends and educational partners. If you weren’t able to make it—have no fear, your 2019 recap is here!
Over the course of three days, attendees sparked new ideas, participated in expert-led sessions, and celebrated the accomplishments of outstanding study abroad students and professionals.
We also took time to honor President & CEO of IES Abroad, Mary M. Dwyer, Ph.D., as this was her last Annual Conference before she retires next year.
Study Abroad as a Path Towards Peace 
Plenary Speaker: Ambassador (ret.) Mary Ann Peters, CEO, the Carter Center, and IES Abroad Paris Alum
Ambassador Peters spent more than 30 years as a career diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. In her plenary speech, Ambassador Peters credits her year with IES Abroad in Paris for kick-starting her life as a diplomat and her ongoing mission towards fostering freedom through peace. Ambassador Peters left us with an inspiring message of the lasting power of study abroad and the continuing importance of educating future global leaders.
"The reason I wanted to talk about peace this morning is that it is in our grasp. There are things we can do to put peace back where it belongs—at the top of our personal and national agendas."
Breakout Sessions
On Thursday and Friday morning, conference attendees chose from a selection of information and share-out sessions that addressed many relevant topics in the field. Some highlights included:
Representation Matters: Marketing to Underrepresented Students
Our presenters provided a five-step marketing framework to help engage unique and multifaceted identities in studying abroad marketing, and focused on first-generation students, race and ethnicity, disabilities, and LGBTQ+ identities.
Presented by:
- Marlowe Padilla, Student Outreach & Ambassador Coordinator and Sydney Alum - IES Abroad
- Asinda Sirignano, Global Engagement Project Manager - University of Michigan
- Katie Wiggins-Gawlik, Global Education Advisor - University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Trends in Customized & Faculty-Led Programming: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going
In this session, our presenters shared case studies to demonstrate the trends in customized and faculty-led programs, and participants identified and explored how these trends can inform policy and practice.
Presented by:
- Katie Burke, Associate Director, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs - IES Abroad
- Margaret Hall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of IT Innovation - University of Nebraska Omaha
- Michael S. Keibler, Co-op Advisor, Global Engineering Track - University of Louisville
Managing Mental Health on Campus and Abroad
Through case studies and group discussion, participants explored how mental health issues are addressed on campus and abroad, and shared resources for helping students manage their mental health needs.
Presented by:
- Mary E. Grigar, Ph.D, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Health and Wellness Center - Lake Forest College
- Stephanie Rock, Associate Dean of Students - IES Abroad
Awards Dinner
On Thursday night, we celebrated together under the magnificent Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center. As it was Dr. Dwyer’s final Annual Conference, Center Directors reflected on her achievements and wished her well with her retirement. We also awarded several outstanding colleagues from our partner schools with IES Abroad Leadership Awards for their dedication to international education. Award winners include:
Professional Development Award: Jessica Oldford, Director of Global Student Experience at University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Lifetime Achievement Award: Robin Craggs, Executive Director, International Programs at Occidental College
Volunteer of the Year: Doug Lee, Assistant Provost, International Programs at the University of Iowa
Student Recognition
On Friday, four of our students shared their experiences first-hand and reminded each of us why we do the work that we do. Their passion and dedication to our mission is powerful, and we are proud to call them IES Abroad alumni.
Global Citizen of the Year: Breana Ross (IES Abroad Cape Town, Customized Program - University of Miami)
Correspondent of the Year: Katya Schwenk (IES Abroad Rabat, Spring 2019 – University of Richmond)
Ambassadors of the Year: Samekh Harris Reed (IES Abroad Tokyo, Spring 2017 – University of Rochester) and Collin Thomas (IES Abroad Santiago, Spring 2017 – Hope College)
“Study abroad changed the way I wanted to live my life.”
See You Next Year!
Thank you to everyone who came to see us, and everyone who helped make this conference a reality. We wish you well in the coming year!
Join us October 14-16, 2020 for another three days of learning, sharing, and being reenergized to serve your study abroad students. We're looking forward to hearing about your professional experience and recent research in 2020 when we call for proposals.
For updates on what IES Abroad is doing between conferences, check out our news and announcements.
Recent news & press
Future-Focused Friday: Things That Happen When You Take The Leap
This week we're spotlighting the experience of finding your independence, which is pretty much a guarantee when you study abroad. And whether you go abroad in search of becoming more self-sufficient, or it's thrust upon you by chance after getting lost in your host city, finding your inner strength is a real confidence booster.
Future-Focused Friday: Things That Added a Pop of Color to Our Week
We know it's been a tough time lately, but remember, you can't have a rainbow without the rain shower! It's time to get out (as much as you can) and open up your eyes to the simpler things that can brighten your day. For us, a pop of COLOR is one of those simpler things. Tune in to our newsletter this week as we dive into the color edition.
Future-Focused Friday: Things That Inspired Us to Keep Momentum this Week
This activism-centered edition of our Future-Focused Friday newsletter features students, staff, and alumni who have carried on the belief of our founders: that study abroad can be a catalyst for peace.
Merrill Study Abroad Scholarship Endowed for Morehouse & Spelman Students
We are excited to announce good news about the IES Abroad Charles Merrill, Jr. Scholarship Fund! We have just surpassed the threshold amount of $50,000 in gifts and pledges, and will soon endow this special fund. Through the Fund, IES Abroad will begin to award study abroad scholarships to students from Morehouse College and Spelman College to study abroad on any of our programs around the world.
Future-Focused Friday: Things Shining with Pride This Week
This month, while we continue to push for progress in the Black Lives Matter movement, we also proudly celebrate our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and friends. Just like we said in our Pride video, in case you don't hear it enough.
IES Abroad Awarded Indiana University's Bicentennial Medal
In June 2020, Michael McRobbie, the President of Indiana University, awarded IES Abroad a Bicentennial Medal for its leadership in the field of study abroad.
