
Students and faculty were able to vote for the International Photo Contest winners in the Sims Library lobby.
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar
University students and faculty members recently submitted photos that recounted memories of their travels.
The university held their first International Photo Contest in the Sims Memorial Library during International Education Week. The winners were announced on Monday, Nov. 21.
The students and faculty had gone on study abroad programs and the photos taken were eligible for submission into the photo contest. The first place photo for the student category was taken in Oia, Santorini, Greece on the Health and Wellness program during June of 2016 by Erin Brady.
The first place faculty photo was taken in Chateau de Chenonceau, France by Dr. William Norton during the biology in France program of May 2016.
Prizes were not announced at the time of the photo submission. As each winner was announced, so was their prize.
Votes had been cast by the university community in the lobby of the Sims Memorial Library. The photos were on display, so the voters could see them and make their decision. All of the photos, except for two, were submitted by the contestants who had gone on a study abroad trip. In total, there were 36 photos submitted, 28 student photos and eight faculty photos.
The event is planned to be continued in the future. Dr. Lucia Harrison, head of the department of languages and communications elaborated on the meaning behind IEW, and how it would help culturally different students.
“International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide,” said Harrison. “This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is an effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.”
Harrison expanded on the fact that having exposure for different international cultures is not limited to only the university, but to other colleges. Her involvement was key to bringing more diversity to the university.
“Most universities around the world hold International Education Week events,” said Harrison. “I thought that this photo contest would be a great opportunity to promote study abroad, involving students and faculty who directly participated in our programs, showing the benefits of international education and cultural awareness.”
The first place student winner, Brady, won a $50 Amazon gift certificate. Second place winner was Jaime Gelpi who won a basket of bookstore items. Third place winner was Anna Strider who won a bag with a cup, blanket and mousepad with the university logo on them.
The first place faculty winner was Norton, a professor of biological sciences won a $25 Starbucks gift certificate. Dr. David Burley, an associate professor of sociology and criminal justice who won second place and received a $15 Starbucks gift certificate. Third place went to Dr. Mildred Naquin, a professor of health studies who won a blanket with the university logo, a Mangos languages cup and a water bottle.
Harrison gave credit to several contributors for their assistance in the first international photo contest.
“Thanks to all students and faculty who submitted pictures for this first edition of our photo contest,” said Harrison. “I encourage all future students participating in our study abroad programs to keep this new tradition alive and bring back lots of pictures.”
The winning photos were published on the International Initiatives Office website.

There was a display where the student and faculty photos for the International Photo Contest were posted.
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar

Photos that were taken during the study abroad program by faculty and students were eligible to be
submitted into the International Photo Contest that was held during International Education Week.
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar