Newsletter for University of Kansas Study Abroad Alumni and Friends...

the WINTER 2009 VOLUME 10 [jayhawk planet] ISSUE 1

IN THIS ISSUE: environmental studies in india rebecca’s story thank you gift planning internships abroad happy holidays

The Office of Study Abroad announced a new Environmental Studies in India program beginning Summer 2010. Above: forest dwelling women ready to return home with bundles of fire wood (about 150 lbs each) on their heads. New program focuses on Environmental Studies in India The Office of Study Abroad is delighted Participants in the program will be guid- tal and ecological issues all over India to announce a new summer program in ed by local experts for orientation, pro- including the study of primate behavior, India beginning in 2010. Environmen- viding a holistic perspective of the ecosys- ecotourism development, polyandry, ille- tal Studies in India will be a month and tem, as well as expertise on the distinctive gal trade in wildlife, herpetology and tiger a half, faculty-led program focusing on features of various ecosystems in the state conservation. Field Ecology and Environmental Issues of Karnataka, India. The local experts will of India. The program is designed for be invited to present lectures and provide Dr. Tiwari spent a month in Karnataka undergraduates in Environmental Stud- field orientation covering a variety of sub- scouting for the initial program setup. ies, but students from other fields such as jects that will help prepare the students to During this time she visited numerous Biology, Geography, Ecology and Evolu- function as effective environmental field non-governmental organizations and tionary Biology may also be interested in scientists, biologists, and natural resource field areas such as Kanakpura, MM Hills, the program. Students will receive a total managers. Bannerghatta National Park, Biligiri Ran- of six credit hours upon successful com- gan Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Somana- pletion of the program. The program will be led by Dr. thapura Temple site and Rangan Bird Geetanjali Tiwari, Lecturer in the De- Sanctuary. Her visit was sponsored by Office of Study Abroad Director Sue partment of Religious Studies at the Uni- International Programs, CLAS and the Lorenz states, “This innovative program versity of Kansas. Dr. Tiwari received her Office of Study Abroad. will not only strenghten KU’s study Masters of Science in Wildlife Biology abroad presence in South Asia, but will from the Wildlife Institute of India in “The Study Abroad Program to India offer a unique opportunity for hands-on Dehraddun, India and a Ph.D. in Cul- in Environmental Studies will be a life experience working with environmental tural Anthropology from Penn State Uni- changing experience for hard working, challenges under expert direction.” versity. determined field workers searching for a window into tropical ecosystems full of The cities of Bangalore and Mysore will An ecologist and anthropologist, Dr. Ti- people and an ancient history”, states Dr. be the featured locations of the program. wari has worked on diverse environmen- Tiwari. Contact Information: The Jayhawk Planet Produced by the KU Office of Study Abroad [email protected] Lippincott Hall.1410 Jayhawk Blvd.Room 108 Editor: (785) 864-3742 Lawrence, KS 66045 Robert Lopez www.studyabroad.ku.edu Rebecca’s Story Study Abroad opens doors to future KU graduate

Rebecca (bottom row, thrid from left) poses with Student Cultural Ambassabors and Jon M. Hunstman, U.S. Rebecca (left) and friend at the Summer Palace, in Ambassador to China, at the China-U.S. Relations Conference in Beijing, China. Beijing, China Rebecca Russell is the daughter to Leola provinces, and gained about 15 pounds students, the US Ambassador to China, Wong Russell and Thomas Russell of from eating Kungpow Chicken. When I and the Chinese Foreign Minister, which Wichita. She will gradate with Honors left in June I considered myself a regular added a very personal touch to the official from the University of Kansas in May Beijinger, and swore that I’d come back to proceedings of the conference. 2010 with a B.A. in East Asian the city, someday, somehow. Languages and Cultures and a co- major Overall the trip was an amazing oppor- in International Studies. Fast forward to October of 2009. I am tunity, both as a chance for me to better back in Beijing, and working as a Stu- understand US-China relations, and also Returning to Beijing after a mere four dent Cultural Ambassador for the 2009 to experience completely different side of months back in the States was a surreal China-US Relations Conference. My Beijing. Although I doubt my next visit experience. This was no doubt partially funding for this trip came from the Bush to Beijing will be within the next four influenced by the 15 hour plane ride and Foundation, Bush Presidential Library, months, I’m certain that I will be back the yellow-grey haze that perpetually sur- Chinese Friendship Foundation, and again, and that China will remain a part rounded the city; but regardless, when I Texas A&M University, who jointly host of my life for a long time to come. left China in June I would never have en- the conference. Because this year marked visioned myself spending an extended Fall the 30th anniversary of formal diplomatic Submitted by Rebecca Russell Break in Beijing courtesy of George H. relations between the two countries, the W. Bush. conference organizers invited 26 Ameri- Rebecca’s Achievements can students to participate 2009 : I first arrived in Beijing in August 2008, J. Michael Young Opportunity Award, armed with one year of college level Chi- The conference itself consisted mostly of University of Kansas nese and having no idea what I was get- plenary sessions discussing areas of mutual 2008 - Present : ting myself into. I had received a gener- concern between the US and China: the University of Kansas Multicultural Scholar ous amount of funding from KU, the economy, military transparency, educa- 2006 - Present: Freeman Foundation, and the Benjamin tional and scientific collaborations. I was University of Kansas Honors Program A. Gilman International Scholarship a student leader for the American contin- 2006 - Present: Program, and as a result I was spending gent, so the majority of my time was spent my junior year exclusively studying Chi- participating in the conference and facili- Benjamin Gilman nese language in Beijing, China. During tating activities for other students. The International Scholarship the next ten months, I studied Chinese definite highlight of the trip was a joint 2008 - 2009 : for five hours per day, traveled to over 13 question-answer session between the Freeman-Asia International Scholarship Thank You!

Through the generous support of our alumni and friends (listed below for donations received between November 1, 2008 and Octo- ber 31, 2009), and the Office of the Chancellor and Office of the Provost, approximately 10.9% of the 1,147 eligible KU study abroad participants received scholarships toward their experience abroad in 2009. A total of 125 KU students received financial support for their studies in various countries. Scholarship amounts ranged from $200 to $2,000.

Our goal is to increase both the number and size of the scholarships awarded to KU study abroad participants and make studying abroad a reality for more KU students.

Coleen Reardon Abid John T. Carper & Janie M. Carper Ann K. Adamson Kathryn D. Carroll Joanne Guinty Altieri Richard M. Catlett & Carolyn S. Catlett Allison Andersen Kelley Hickman Catlin & John H. Catlin Katherine Shaw Anderson & Gabriel Clark Anderson Jeffrey L Chaikin Jane A. Angle Nancy Burt Chaison John D. Arendt & Julianne Jenkins Julio I. Charlons & Latricia Charlons John L. Arnett, II & Renee Arnett Rose M. Christian Arnold, Newbold, Winter, Jackson, P.C. Matthew L. Cisneros & Marisol Cisneros Lisa B. Arzu Angelika Howard Clark, PhD & Dennis H. Clark Timothy C. Averill & Lauren Roberts Averill Ronald L. Clark & Kathe E. Clark B & B Investments Walter L. Cofer & Nicola R. Heskett Teresa A. Badgerow & John Nicholas Badgerow Mary Davidson Cohen, EdD Dennis M. Bahr Fred P. Conboy Cynthia A. Baker Robert Condron & Ellen Condron Stephen T. Baker & Patricia J. Baker Christopher C. Confer & Allison Ross Confer David M. Bamberger, MD Brennan J. Connor & Kari Kleinschmidt Connor Barnes & Dodge, Inc. Crissa Seymour Cook Kelly G. Bartlett Nikki C. Cook & George N. Cook, Jr. Steve Bass David J. Coons April Phelps Baughman & Lawrence L. Baughman Michael J. Costello & Paula J. Costello Pamela J. Bayless Ben D. Craig Paul E. Beahm & Sarah Korbecki Beahm Rachel B. Cunning T. Paige Bearce-Beery Josef K. Cunningham & Anne L. Tormohlen Mary Skolaut Birch Ryan Darby & Sarah Santee Darby Jan Bolinger Albert Darling Ashley M. Bond Shirley Phipps Davies Richard L. Bond & Suzanne Sedgwick Bond Cynthia Adams Davis Jennifer L. Booth Thomas E. Davis & Myrna Frazer Davis John T. Bowen & Nancy A. Bowen Brett T. Dawson The Bratton Corporation Kendall Day & Danielle Baussan Katie Williams Brechner Jennifer L. De Cicco Brotherhood Bank & Trust Co. Mary-Elizabeth Debicki Shirley Brown & Fred W. Brown Hikaru Deguchi, PhD & Midori Deguchi Bud Brown Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc. Carolyn Dillon Donna T. Bryant Jane Phelps Dimmel & Drew Dimmel Sharon Adele Bryant Angela M. Dittrich The Builders' Association Nancy L. Diviney Bukaty Companies Shane K. Dixon & Margaret Mason Dixon Katherine L. Burford Ethan B. Domke G. Wayne Burge Frank L. Dorsey & Nancy L. Dorsey Jan Williams Burnette & Stan C. Burnette Dreyer & Kelso, P.C., P.A. Aaron M. Bush Janet Schrunk Ericksen Joseph M. Bush Cathrynn D Everest & David L. Everest Martha Bogart Calcara & Richard L. Calcara Melissa R. Faucett Daniel W. Cardwell John P. Fawcett Charles J. Carlsen & Linda S. Carlsen Thomas R. Fields & Elizabeth L. Fields Janet L. Carpenter, PhD Financial Counselors, Inc. Thank You!

Tiffany E. Finke Lisa Jones Firebaugh Construction, Inc. Tanisha R. Jones Russell L. French Rex M. Joyce, MD & Kathleen F. Joyce Friends of Gus Rau Meyer, Jr. Janet M. Justus Steven Galbraith Patricia Thornton Keil & Jonathan D. Keil Emily L. Galbreath & Ashford A. Galbreath Janet K. Kelley Alan L. Genender Sara Kircher & Jim Kircher Grady J. Gervino Henry C. Klover Kevin M. Gillian Klover Architects, Inc. Margaret R. Gilmore Douglas J. Knop, DDS & Kathleen S. Knop William L. Gochis & Bobbetta B. Gochis Julie Peters Knudtson & Eric J. Knudtson, MD Jennifer Anderson Gongora Mark L. Kossler Nancy Morales Gonzalez Alexander F. Kupfer Sara A. Good Denny Kurogi George A. Gorman Richard T. Lawner, PhD & Jennifer Parkinson Lawner Janet S. Gottsch Elizabeth C. Lawrence Neil A. Grant & Donna Grant Leawood Chamber of Commerce Elizabeth J. Gray Mary Wheat Lehoczky & John Lehoczky III Susan L. Gronbeck-Tedesco, PhD & Dr. John L. Gronbeck-Tedesco Roy D. Libel, MD & Terri Topping Libel Jordan L. Haines & Shirley Cundiff Haines* Marcia S. Lipsky & Jeffrey H. Lipsky Jean Challinor Hall James R. Lloyd II & Ann Stueve Lloyd, PharmD Sandra J. Hannon Lockton Companies, LLC Hanrahan Asphalt Paving Co., Inc. Carol Hochscheid Logan & Fred J. Logan Jr. Douglas M. Hare Betsy J. Longenecker, MD Marilyn Ann Harrison & Jerry P. Harrison Howard D. Lubliner & Emily Forsyth Lubliner Matthew E. Hearn George L. MacCurdy Jr. & Marianne Rogers MacCurdy Rex E. Hearst & Kellee A. Hearst Anna Davalos MacDonald Lewis A. Heaven Jr. & Paula Butz Heaven Christopher D. Martin Suzanne Patricia Hedrick Mark D. McBride Matthew T. Heidebrecht Meghan A. McCollister Elizabeth Sterling Helgerson, PhD Morgan Gray McCollough Leonard E. Heller, EdD & Elizabeth Harris Heller William R. McCort & Ann E. McCort Conrad M. Henderson & Judith M. Henderson Scott B. McMurray & Beverly A. McMurray James W. Henson & Karen Henson Vicki Lee Meek & David M. Meek Andrew B. Hermreck Susan Vernon Meier David M. Hiebert & Joyce A. Hiebert Kristen McClintic Mercado Jayne A. Higdon Joshua W. Mermis Harley R. Hill Metcalf Bank Cynthia Chandler Hoad & Brent E. Hoad Metro Air Conditioning Company Jennie Alicea Hocking Robert D. Mettlen & Judith Neil Mettlen Joseph Y. Holman & Janet S. Holman Gus R. Meyer & Cheryl H. Meyer Rylan M. Howe Corliss Chandler Miller & Larry C. Miller Erin M. Hubert Stephen M. Moles Ashley N. Huggins Paul J. Monson & Linda Warhola Monson Stephen R. Hughes & MaryAnne Hughes Elizabeth Edwards Moody & Frederick A. Moody Justin T. Hunt Belle L. Morgan Kimberly A. Indovina Monika A. Moyrer John Jacob Gregory Muehlebach, MD & Victoria W. Muehlebach, MD Carroll C. Jacques John F. Murphy Jr., MD & Mary Z. Murphy Kevin W. Jeffries & Laura A. Jeffries Rhonda L. Neugebauer & Shahrokh Azedi Diane K. Jenks Nevius Serig Palmer Architecture Kelly Hagan Jennings & Nathan G. Jennings Shari James Nicholas & Danny L. Nicholas Barbara G. Jensen John W. Nugent Janelle Davies Johnson & Lee S. Johnson William W. Nye & Cecile Nye Kathleen M. Johnson Patricia A. O'Day & Edward J. O'Day Kristin Matheson Johnson & Joseph C. Johnson John C. O'Donnell Arthur D. Jones & Erin K. Collins Lezlie Hahn Oachs Julie A. Jones Bisola Ojikutu Thank You!

David C. Oswald Laura A. Soelter Louise Page Otero Lee P. Solter & Anita Martin Solter Richard S. Paegelow Joseph M. Sopcich, EdD & Stacy L. Sopcich Shannon Elley Pagel & Brian E. Pagel Lesley A. Speer Karen Frank Palmunen, PhD Stan Staats & Mrs. Stan Staats Michele L. Paris Stark Wilson Duncan Architects Inc. Jon A. Patton Alisha L. Starnes Christine Pederson Sarah Moorhead Stirn Eunice C. Penner Jeffey A. Stolz Jennifer Miller Pesanelli Joseph R. Storrs, PhD Stephen A. Peteritas Jessica A. Stretz John J. Petermann & Cecile M. Petermann Ellen Hart Strubert Jennifer Sanders Phillips Emily Tang-Chen Steven R. Pierce & Annette C. Pierce Linda Gill Taylor & Stephen K. Taylor Samuel J. Pierron & Kathryn L. Harpstrite Jessica Townsend Teague Carrie Gardner Pillsbury W. Dwight Teter & Linda J. Teter Alison G. Pomerantz Andrew L. Thompson Bowen R. Pope & Shannon Doyle Pope Karen Kocher Thrasher, AIA Jim Porter & Molly Wilkin Porter Brant W. Tidwell & Lucy Woodard Tidwell Julia Neill Porter Daniel P. Timblin & Stephanie R. Timblin Lisa N. Porter Anastasia E. Tindell Martha W. Rader Norissa Gordon Torkzadeh & Alan Reza Torkzadeh Kristen Rebne Alan G. Toy Kathryn Huston Ridings Constance N. Traylor Paul J. Rieger & Michelle M. Rieger Alan P. Treat Leslie A. Riesberg & Jeffrey R. Riesberg David P. Trevino & Sarah Whitten Calvin T. Roberts Janalee Tromans Scott D. Robinson Linda J. Tuller William L. Robinson, PhD & Jean Hardy Robinson, PhD Jan M. Underwood Joan G. Rodkey Matthew P. Uritis Maria E. Rodriguez-Herrero Sara Meats Vancil & Brian Vancil Debora M. Roessler Luis C. Vargas Linda B. Roser Paul D. Vincent & Stacie Daniels Vincent Tim P. Roser Viet M. H. Vo Catherine Bourland Ross J. Kurt von Achen & Pennie Hutton von Achen Barry S. Rubin JoAnn E. Walcott Tracy Klem Ruddle Anne D. Wallace, PhD Nancy A. Rummans & Bob L. Rummans Steven T. Warinner Carol Weber Rupe Jennifer A. Warner & Borislav Klimentov Kavlakov Kelly C. Ryan Julia Watson Norma D. Sargent Jean M. Wayne & David B. Clarey Tara D. Sayre Philip C. Wedge & Linda Dobratz Wedge Matt P. Scheidenhelm Jane Heinzler Weiland & Patrick J. Weiland Peggy Schmiedeler & Patrick A. Schmiedeler Michael R. Welker Steven M. Schnell, PhD & Lisa Kahn Schnell S. Thomas Wertz & Anita E. Wertz Lisa M. Schultes & Dan O'Connell White Goss Bowers March Schulte & Weisenfels Emil J. Schutzel Jr. & Shirley A. Schutzel Hudson L. Whitenight Jr. & Rebecca Barrett Whitenight Seal-O-Matic Paving Co., Inc. Doris Wiegers Amy Miller Seymour & Thomas P. Seymour William M. Wien & Gail Wien Catherine M. Shafer Harry E. Wigner Jr. & Beth A. M. Wigner Zachary Shafran & Rhonda Shafran Lora Rebecca Wiley & David M. Wiley Shaw Electric Company Wayne H. Wilke & Tina Wilke Krista M. Shipley Carey Lynne Pratt Wilkins Jean Porter Silesky & Carlos E. Silesky Allison M. Williams Vickie F. Sisco & Robert Sisco Juliann Crider Wisbrock Ann Constantin Smart E. David Wiseman & Judith Frame Wiseman Ryan L. Smartt Mary C. Woodward Patricia Goering Smith & Bill D. Smith Dr. Jay H. Yedlin & Nancy S. Yedlin Gift Planning Study Abroad and KU Alumnus Memorial returns to Lawrence Scholarship Kelly Miller has returned to Lawrence tional University of Ireland in Galway Established to practice dentistry with her father, Les where she received her M.A. in Biomedi- Miller, DDS. Miller, a 2000 KU gradu- cal Sciences in 2002. After Ireland, Miller The Gus Rau Meyer, Jr, Scholarship ate, participated on the 1999 Humani- returned to Lawrence and performed re- Fund has been established by his par- ties and Western Civilization Program search for the Medicinal Chemistry De- ents, Gus Rau Meyer, Sr. and Cheryl which sends students Meyer, of Prairie Village. The schola- to Paris, France and ships is designed to assist students in Florence, Italy. INTERESTED IN HELPING STUDENTS STUDY ABROAD? study abroad opportunities.

Miller claims her Donations can be sent to: Gus’s parents established the $32,000 endowment fund through a combi- study abroad experi- KU Endowment Association ence was invaluable. c/o Study Abroad nation of their own gifts and memo- “It was an opportu- Lippincott Hall rial contributions sent to KU Endow- nity to get out of my 1410 Jayhawk Blvd. Room 108 ment by friends and family. comfort zone.” Mill- Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7515 er has always been a Gus, a fourth generation Jayhawk, planner and she knew that while abroad partment at KU for three years and then died February 3, 2009. He graduated life would be full of suprises. “Each day received her doctorate degree in dentistry from KU in 2005 with a B.S. in Busi- you wake up and don’t know what to ex- from UMKC in 2009. ness Administration and Marketing pect. I personally grew into an indepen- and B.A in Economics. dent and confident person while abroad. Miller has volunteered to talk with stu- Also, it was invaluable to get a different dents about the benefits of study abroad. Gus had a passion for traveling and perspective about everything.” “Study abroad made me a better person was able to study abroad in Austra- and it made me learn more about myself,” lia for a semester and also spent time While abroad, Miller got the “travel bug.” states Miller. abroad in Santiago, Chile as a Boy After graduation she attended the Na- Scout.

Sue Lorenz, director of KU’s Office of Study Abroad, states the significance of the scholarship. “We’re grateful to the family of Gus Rau Meyer, Jr. for choosing to honor their son with the establishment of this scholarship, which will help students to pursue the type of international experiences the Gus Jr. valued.”

The initial scholarship will be award- ed in Spring 2010 to a student going abroad in Fall 2010.

Kelly Miller, bottom-right, and the rest of the 1999 Humanities and Western Civilization Program group on their Chianti excursion during their wine class in Florence. Kelly graduated from KU in 2000. Internships Abroad Internship Scholarships presented to OSA

Tony Johnson, Executive Committee Member and Managing Partner of EUSA, and Sue Lorenz, Director of Study Abroad, celebrate four years of partnership during International Education Week at KU. The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) has KU students earn three hours of aca- received two $500 scholarships from demic credit upon successful completion EUSA, the largest independent intership of the summer internship. Although stu- Anna Archibald (left) interned for an independent provider in Europe. EUSA is celebrating dents with sophomore status are eligible music website in the Summer Internship Program in their 25th year of service and is entering to participate on the program, preference Dublin, Ireland. the fourth year of partnership with the is given to juniors and seniors advanced in a third site, possibly in Madrid, Spain, in University of Kansas (KU). At a cermony their undergraduate studies. the next two years. “ on November 19, Tony Johnson, the Ex- ecutive Committee Member and Manag- Susan Gronbeck-Tedesco, Associate Vice Anna Archibald, senior from Neode- ing Partner of EUSA, stated, “The schol- Provost of International Programs and sha and participant in the 2009 Dublin arship is a gesture of thank you for KU’s former Director of the Office of Study progam, explains the importance of in- support. They’re the perfect partner.” Abroad, recalls some of the early worries ternships. “Working in Dublin will no about the success of the program. “One doubt look great on my resumé. It was re- The EUSA internship program program of the things I remember during the early ally great to not only see and experience offers KU students internship opportuni- times of the program is we didn’t think Irish culture all around me, but to see the ties in either London, England or Dub- we could make minimum numbers but differences between our workplace and lin, Ireland. The program is available to we wanted two sites. EUSA was flexible theirs was really interesting. I really think all students regardless of their academic with working with us so we are grateful we should implement tea time into the discipline and the two-month intern- for their efforts as well.” work schedule here.” ships are in a field directly related to the student’s field of study. “What I am most The program has grown since its incep- It was not all work for Archibald, a Jour- proud of is the quality of our internships,” tion. In 2007 KU sent 15 students on nalism major with an expected December states Marisa Vacchi, University Relations the intitial program, 22 in 2008 and 24 2010 graduation date, “It was also my first Manager of EUSA. in 2009. The growing numbers each year time in Europe. The one thing I’m really show there are good things to come for happy to have come away with, though, EUSA places 2,000 students worldwide the program, a sentiment echoed by Sue are all of the friends I made—b oth in the in 8,000 organizations and works with 60 Lorenz, Director of the Office of Study workplace and out—and the possibility universities in Asia, Australia, Europe and Abroad. “The success of the partnership of going back to Ireland to visit or maybe North America. with EUSA has prompted us to look for even to find a job after I graduate. The en- tire experience was invaluable.” Lippincott Hall 1410 Jayhawk Blvd., Rm. 108 Lawrence, KS 66045-7515

[jayhawkthe planet]

“Happy Holidays from KU Study Abroad Staff!”

Members of the 2009 KU Office of Study Abroad staff: Michele Arellano, Sam Billen, Colleen Boley, Nancy Chaison, Renée Frias, Justine Hamilton, Ingrid Horton, Robert Lopez, Sue Lorenz, Tracy Miller, Cathy Swenson-Tucker, Jen Weghorst and David Wiley, .