News and Events

My Fulbright award is being spent in Benin, West Africa where I aim to create a translated database of traditional folktales from rural Fon women. My project seeks to bridge the gap between ethnic Fon oral tradition and written academic tradition, making available reliable primary sources on Beninese culture for researchers while preserving cultural heritage. My INST degree gave me the core skills to embark on this project, where I combine research methods and cultural theory.

Congratulations to the 2025–2026 Reine Mages Study Abroad Scholarship Recipients: Sofia, Zoe, Rayes, and Aina! This scholarship supports travel expenses to help make study abroad experiences more accessible and rewarding. We’re thrilled that these outstanding students will have the opportunity to expand their horizons and immerse themselves in global learning. Bon voyage and best of luck on your adventures abroad!

After five exciting years in Japan, alumni Jordan Ward ’18 is back in town. Jordan spent his time abroad working as an English teacher, embracing the culture, and enjoying one of his favorite daily moments—lunch. He recalls, “In middle school, teachers often eat the same lunch as the students (often with their students), and every day was a brand-new meal.” Welcome back, Jordan!

Dr. Serena Cosgrove has been awarded the Franklin Research Grant from The Philosophical Society. This grant will support her research project, “I Want My Story Heard”, which focuses on building a bilingual archive of testimonies from survivors of conflict-related sexual violence during the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. Dr. Cosgrove will travel to Timor-Leste to carry out this important work.

Congratulations to Tristin Schultz ’22 for being awarded the highly competitive Pickering Fellowship! This fall, Tristin will be heading to Georgetown University to pursue a master’s degree in Foreign Service. During his time at SU, Tristin double-majored in International Studies and Economics, spent a year studying abroad in South Korea, and later returned to Seoul as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.

Congratulations to Dr. Felipe Murtinho, Director of International Studies, and Dr. Tanya Hayes, Director of Environmental Studies, for receiving a SeattleU Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (ICTC) fellowship! Their research will take them to rural areas of Colombia, where they will explore how communities manage water resources and organize regional federations to adapt to the challenges of climate change.

Congratulations to Dr. Cosgrove for taking home first place in the Faculty category of the Imagining the World photography contest! Her winning photo, titled “Si hubo Genocidio” ("Yes, there was a genocide"), was taken in Guatemala and captures a powerful message of remembrance and truth.

Dr. Cosgrove, who teaches World Geography and other courses, continues to inspire through both her academic work and artistic talent.