Ohio University’s Center for International Studies celebrates six decades of global leadership, alumni impact

The Center for International Studies (CIS) at Ohio University marked its 60th anniversary with a week-long series of events that brought together over 80 alumni from across the globe during the fall semester.

The celebration, held from Nov. 15-20, highlighted the Center’s enduring legacy of building international understanding and educating students to lead in an interconnected world.

“Tonight, we gather to celebrate the incredible milestone of six decades of global engagement and impact and also to recognize the remarkable contributions and efforts of our alumni, who continue to inspire us with their achievements and dedication,” Center for International Studies Director Haley Duschinski said in her remarks at a 60th anniversary event.

“Together, we are honoring the past—reflecting on the milestones and memories that have shaped the Center—and looking ahead to the future with great optimism,” Duschinski said.

Alumni representing six decades of international studies returned to Athens for the celebration, including professionals from Japan, Cambodia, South Africa and beyond, to reconnect and share their experiences. The anniversary festivities served to reflect the Center’s rich history and inspire its vibrant future.

Speaking to the alumni, Duschinski said, “You, our alumni, make this Center extraordinary. You deeply understand the value of international education. International education -- in international studies, intercultural communication, study abroad, and foreign languages -- is essential for success in today’s interconnected world. The Center for International Studies is your legacy, and this 60th anniversary is your celebration.”

Alumni engagement: Connecting generations of global leaders

Throughout the anniversary week, alumni participated in Alumni Global Professional Development Panels to mentor current students on achieving success in various international fields. These panels showcased the importance of international education in diverse career paths, including human rights, diplomacy, health, refugee services, environmental practice, and business and finance.

Yvonne Maffei (OHIO BA Global Studies - Latin America 1997; OHIO MA International Development Studies 2000) has spent the past two decades building a global halal food industry as founder and product developer of Oil of Anatolia and creator of the My Halal Kitchen website and cookbook.

In her panel, she told students that the international education she gained at Ohio University provided the global perspective and interdisciplinary skills essential for navigating diverse cultural and economic landscapes.

“The university’s diverse community and hands-on learning experiences prepared me to address real-world challenges with adaptability and cultural sensitivity. This foundation has been pivotal to my success in building a global media brand in the Halal economy and advancing food security and sustainability initiatives,” Maffei said.

A special virtual panel highlighted Ohio University’s enduring relationship with the Peace Corps. Alumni who have served as volunteers, country directors, and administrative leaders shared their experiences and insights, emphasizing the transformative power of global service.

Maura Fulton (OHIO MA International Development Studies 1999) has spent much of her career with the Peace Corps, including volunteer service in Micronesia, country director roles in Georgia and Thailand, and as senior advisor to the director in Washington, DC.

"My graduate program at CIS provided me with a unique blend of global insights, intercultural communication skills, and a strong academic foundation, all of which have empowered me to lead with empathy and confidence in an increasingly interconnected world, ” Fulton said.

The Center also celebrated a new partnership with Cambodia University of Technology and Science (CamTech), led by alumni Dr. Sothy Khieng and Dr. Leng Phirom. A hybrid panel explored the future of US-Cambodia relationships in higher education, highlighting the potential for collaboration in research, exchange, and innovation.

The CIS International Student Film Festival showcased powerful stories that illuminated the international student experience. Alumni from the MA Program in Communication and Development Studies presented their films on international student experiences that sparked meaningful conversations about the transformative impact of global education and the vital role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides.

Brian Plow, associate director in the OHIO School of Media Arts and Studies, coordinated the event by curating the films and inviting alumni filmmakers to campus for the festival.

“Tonight we have celebrated the 60th anniversary of CIS by featuring documentaries made by OU international students from 20 countries and 5 continents,” he said.  “I am thrilled to facilitate an event like this that celebrates CIS through storytelling, and features the work and experiences of our international student community.  What a great opportunity to learn about the world and our unique place in it!”

Honoring changemakers and visionaries: The CIS Alumni Awards

The International Education Week Awards and Gala honored alumni who have significantly advanced international education, embodying the spirit of leadership and global engagement cultivated at the Center.

“These awards are not just recognitions—they are reminders of the profound and lasting impact our alumni have had on the world,” Duschinski said in her opening remarks at the gala.

• Robert Stuebing (OHIO MA Southeast Asian Studies 1973) was celebrated with the Changemaker Award for his conservation work in Southeast Asia and his mentorship of Ohio University students, particularly through the REA-KON Conservation Field Internship in Indonesia, where he fosters sustainable practices and community partnerships.
• Gerald Krzic received the Changemaker Award for his leadership of the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE), his stewardship of a 50-year partnership with Chubu University in Japan, and his lifelong contributions to intercultural education and exchange.
• Hylie Voss (OHIO MA Communication and Development Studies 1996) was awarded the Alumni Impact Award for her advocacy in environmental stewardship and community engagement, continuing a family legacy of advancing international education and sustainability across Appalachian Ohio and beyond.
• David Crane (OHIO BA General Studies 1972; OHIO MA African Studies 1973) was honored with the Alumni Impact Award for his trailblazing work in international justice, including prosecuting human rights violations as the founding Chief Prosecutor of the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone, and his mentorship of future leaders in international law.

Call to action: Alumni support for graduate students in international studies

During the CIS Alumni Awards, Distinguished Alumni Edward C. and Charlotte R. Chow announced a generous gift to establish the International Studies Alumni Fund for Graduate Student Support. This endowment will provide stipends, scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students in the Center for International Studies, helping them gain the skills needed to thrive in a globalized workforce.

“This gift exemplifies the spirit of giving back and investing in the future of international education,” said Ed Chow.

“Ed has a remarkable vision for international excellence at Ohio University,” Duschinski said. “He envisions OHIO as a top international university, supporting international students, advancing international studies and languages, and fostering meaningful engagement with international alumni. His vision emphasizes the critical importance of preparing students for success in an increasingly globalized workforce—within the state, across the nation, and around the world.”  

"His understanding of the vital role that graduate students play in fostering a more interconnected and culturally aware future ensures that OHIO will continue to attract and nurture top talent from around the world. His unwavering belief in the transformative power of global education challenges us to think boldly and act decisively in shaping the future of international studies at OHIO.“

Call to Action: The Chows challenge fellow alumni to match their generosity by contributing to the fund, amplifying its impact and ensuring a vibrant future for international studies at Ohio University. You can contribute to the fund here.

A legacy of excellence

The Center for International Studies has been a leader in global education since its establishment in the late 1950s, when it became one of the first U.S. universities to engage in federally funded aid and development projects in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Vietnam. During this era of decolonization, the Center distinguished itself by fostering cross-cultural exchange and supporting international partnerships. Through decades of committed leadership, the Center has remained at the forefront of advancing Ohio University’s international priorities, creating opportunities for transformative education and collaborative global engagement.

As the celebration concluded, alumni, faculty and students reaffirmed their commitment to the Center’s mission of advancing international understanding, ensuring the Center’s transformative impact continues for generations to come.

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