Imagining the World
Our annual international photo competition celebrates the global experiences of education abroad students, international students, and our faculty and staff.
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What is Imagining the World?
Now showing in Gallery 2 of the Lemieux Library!
Imagining the World encourages students, faculty, and staff to capture more than a moment in their experience but rather to share a very personal window into the world they explore while working or studying abroad.
Submitted photos will address the theme: “Imagining the World” and should go beyond the “postcard” and express the entrant’s vision and understanding of life in the host country. We welcome all eligible individuals, regardless of their level of photography expertise.
A panel of professional photographers judge the photos on their technical merit and how well they address the contest theme. The chosen images are celebrated with an awards ceremony when the exhibit opens. Winners and honorable mentions are also recognized at the Annual Awards Ceremony and Artists Reception.
Interested in next year's competition? Sign up for our mailing list for updates and additional information about the competition.
Scroll down to see the winners from the 14th Edition of Imagining the World.
We expect photographers to ensure that the human rights and dignity of persons whose photos they take, with special care when working with children. This includes asking permission and considering any potential harm that could occur. We have gathered some resources to help guide you.
Ohio University Center for Campus and Community Engagement: Guidelines for Ethical Photography
Photographers Without Borders: Code of Ethics
Education Abroad Students
- Photos must be taken between January 2025 and December 2025 while participating in any SU Education Abroad Program*
- Must have been an SU student when picture was taken and must be an SU student to submit
International Students
- Photos must be taken between January 2025 and December 2025 while participating in any SU Education Abroad Program*
- Must have been an SU student when picture was taken and must be an SU student to submit
Faculty and Staff
- Photos must be taken between January 2025 and December 2025 while leading or participating in any SU Education Abroad Program* or while conducting research or other Seattle University work abroad
- Must have been an SU faculty or staff member when picture was taken and must be an SU faculty or staff member to submit
*Includes all SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, Faculty-Led, Non-SU, and Non-Credit Immersion Programs
Award Prizes
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Education Abroad Students:
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $300
Third Prize: $200
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International Students:
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $300
Third Prize: $200
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Faculty and Staff:
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $300
Third Prize: $200
Meet Our 14th Edition Award Winners
This exhibition features a collection of 20 images made up of eight winners and 12 honorable mentions
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First Place Study Abroad Student
Brandon
Taken in Ireland, by Fern Creson, BFA Photography with Minor in Writing, Class of 2026
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International Student First Place Winner
Moments Before Heavens Open Up
Taken in Washington, by Aarti Dashore. Masters in Computer Science, Class of 2026
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Faculty and Staff First Place Winner
Tendopoli
Taken in ITaly, by Meg Cristofalo PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work
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Study Abroad Second Place Winner
Bus Driver
Taken in Bhutan, by Ben Weakley. Bachelor of Arts in Finance, Class of 2025
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International Student Second Place Winner
Final Touches
Taken in Washington, by Helina Hailemariam. Computer Science, Class of 2027
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Faculty and Staff Second Place Winner
Guadalupan Devotion
Taken in Mexico, by Joyce Allen, Assistant Director of College in High School Programs
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Study Abroad Third Place Winner
Shores of Senegal
Taken in Senegal, by Mariam Gohar. Political Science and French Double Major with Minor in Middle Eastern Studies. Class of 2026
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International Student Third Place Winner
Hidden Happiness
Taken in Washington, by Morgan Kang. Accounting, Class of 2026
View and Purchase Past Exhibition Books
With the program in hiatus between 2020 and 2021, we created a special edition of past photos.
(Image links to the preview and purchase site for each book.)
