Posted 10:07 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025
60th International Banquet
IEE’s 60th Anniversary International Banquet wrapped up after an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, lively entertainment, and incredible performances! We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended and brought such vibrant energy to the event—it's that spirit that makes each International Banquet so special. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made this celebration possible. The banquet was full of memorable moments, and we’d love to highlight just a few here.
Before the Banquet program began the Global Citizen Showcase took place. The showcase is an opportunity for international students, study abroad alumni, faculty, staff and community members to share their many global experiences and international projects. Displays, photos, and conversation highlighted many different cultures. The event celebrates cultural exchange and global connection, all within a fun and welcoming environment of cross cultural conversation.
The Banquet began by honoring 8 award winners and 9 certificate reciepents. UWL's Global Cultures and Languages department presented the Global Seal of Biliteracy Certificate to 9 students that have demonstrated excellent proficiency, commitment, and a strong work ethic to mastering a second language in Russian - Yevgeny Dedun and Emily Riley and in Chinese - Katherine Brenk, Megan Chew, Ellena Lee, Huayang Liu, Gilbert Marquez, Regan Schinker, and Forest Shilts.
UWL's International Education & Engagement presented awards to 8 students, staff, and community members that have contributed to the internationalization of our campus and our community. The International Student Academic Excellence and Internationalization Award was presented to Nashreena Sidhu, Afonso Klein, and Joseph Chan. The Burt & Norma Altman Awards were presented to Tammy Fisher for Community Service, Dr. Hongying Xu for University Service, and Marie Moeller for Leadership. The W. Carl Wimberly Founder's Award for International Partnerships was presented to Lisbeth Reynertson. The very first International Education & Engagement Legacy Award was presented to Jay Lokken.
Guests enjoyed an array of international dishes, prepared by Chartwells catering. From savory entrées like Pakistani Chicken Kofta to sweet, chocolatey Brazilian Brigadeiros, each dish represented a different culture and brought a taste of the world to our banquet tables. While guests ate and conversed, a special presentation reflecting on IEE’s 60-year journey displayed for all to see. Through photos of generations past and videos of alumni and staff stories, we honored the legacy of international education and the countless individuals who have shaped our program over the decades. You can watch this video yourself on the UWL International Banquet webpage as well. It was a moving reminder of how far we’ve come—and the bright future ahead.
And finally, to round out the night, the stage came alive with 13 incredible performances by student, staff, and community members. Each performance showcased the rich cultural heritage and talent within our community. Their energy and artistry brought the audience to their feet and made the night truly unforgettable. Thank you to all who performed, volunteered, presented, worked and of course, attended; We hope to see you again next year!
The 2026 International Banquet will be held April 18th, 2026.
