International Studies receives gift for study abroad

A substantial gift in support of study abroad programs has been made to the Division of International Studies, Gilles Bousquet, International Studies dean, announced Thursday.

According to Bousquet, the Vince Club Family Foundation has pledged $75,000, specifically for yearlong study in one of the UW–Madison’s overseas programs. The gift was led by Gigi Pritzker Pucker, an alumna of UW–Madison’s Nepal study abroad program.

In announcing the donation, Bousquet acknowledged the generosity of the donor and the significance of the award.

“A study abroad experience is critically important in today’s increasingly globally-connected world,” Bousquet said. He added that accelerating internationalization is one of the university’s strategic priorities, and one of the best ways of advancing that objective is by making study abroad experiences more possible for UW–Madison students.

The gift, to be spread over the next three years, will enable the university to offer five or more grants of up to $5,000 per student per year. The awards will be made based on a combination of factors, including financial need, demonstrated academic excellence, and the nature of the academic program proposed for the time spent abroad, according to Joan Raducha, the director of International Academic Programs (IAP), and an associate dean of International Studies.

“There is nothing more satisfying than a show of support from a past participant,” Raducha says.

“This is a wonderful gift,” says Joe Elder, professor of sociology, and languages and cultures of Asia, who for many years was the director of the university’s Center for South Asia, and who is the academic director of study abroad programs in India and Nepal. “Gigi’s generosity makes it possible for an on-going number of Wisconsin undergraduates to enjoy the life-shaping experiences of a study-year abroad without being restricted by their financial limitations.”

UW–Madison ranks among the top 10 nationally in terms of numbers of students at research universities participating in study abroad. In 2001-02, 1,340 UW–Madison students studied abroad in UW–Madison programs or non-UW-Madison programs for which the students received transfer credit. UW–Madison offers more than 100 program opportunities in all parts of the world, and has seen steady growth in the programs since their inception in 1961. Financial assistance in the form of scholarships is believed to be a key element in increasing student participation in study abroad.

As part of UW–Madison’s major fundraising campaign, announced in 2003, International Studies welcomes gifts for study abroad, either as scholarships or for infrastructure development and instructional support. The newly formed International Studies’ Study Abroad Alumni Committee, a group of alumni dedicated to increasing the number and diversity of students participating in study abroad, is actively organizing study abroad alumni groups and is encouraging gifts. Inquiries can be addressed to Cynthia Williams, director of development for the Division of International Studies at (608) 262-3929 or cwilliam@wisc.edu.