News and Events

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The International Studies program hosts a wide variety of events for students and the broader community. Join us at one of these engaging opportunities! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Understanding the Refugee Experience in Kenya 
Monday, February 24, 11am - 12pm |  Bannon 507

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Join us for a special discussion with Fr. Dan Mai, S.J. and Grace Colburn from Jesuit Refugee Services at the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. They will share insights on the challenges refugees face, the impact on host communities, and how Kenya’s evolving policies are shaping the refugee landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the refugee experience and its global implications. More info here.

Central American Youth Navigating Undocumented Life and Transnational Stigmatizing Scripts
Friday, March 7, 11am - 12pm |  Zoom

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International Studies, Latin American & Latinx Studies, and the Central America Initiative invite you to a Zoom talk by Dr. Eric Macias (American University). Dr. Macias will talk about his research with Central American youth, US immigration, and transnational narratives. Email Dr. Cosgrove for the Zoom link.

PAST EVENTS

The International Studies Program hosts multiple events every quarter. During Fall 2025, we hosted a discussion about Syria after the Assad regime with Dr. Nova Robinson, a screening of The Long Walk of Carlos Guerrero and discussion with the filmmakers, and more! 

Alumni Spotlight: Jordan Ward ’18

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!

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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Serena Cosgrove

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.

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Alumni Spotlight: Tristin Schultz ’22

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.

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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Felipe Murtinho and Dr. Tanya Hayes

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.

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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Cosgrove wins Seattle University Photography Contest

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.

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