IIGE Welcomes Record Enrollment; Students Explore North Star

The Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement (IIGE) opened the 2025–2026 academic year with record enrollment in its Global Honors Program, celebrated at its Student Welcome on October 3, 2025. The afternoon began with a warm welcome from Associate Vice Chancellor Divya McMillin, who also introduced Alyce McNeil, the new Interim Managing Director of IIGE. Their remarks set an inspiring tone for the event, emphasizing curiosity, connection, and purpose. They lset the foundation for an afternoon focused on helping students explore their values and begin charting their personal and professional paths.

Students and four members of the Community Advisory Board (CAB)—Elizabeth Donkervoort, Jennifer English, Philip Jacob, and Tim Strege—participated in a dynamic “Speed Networking” activity designed to help students begin identifying their “North Star”—the guiding values and aspirations that shape their academic and professional journeys.

CAB members shared insights into their careers and personal philosophies, while students engaged in small-group conversations using curated prompt cards—and their own questions—to spark meaningful dialogue. “I enjoyed the event, especially the “speed networking” activity. I liked how the groups were separated with two professionals; the types of questions that were suggested and the ability for us to ask our own questions,” said Kaitlyn Lee, a Global Honors student. Participants awarded “stars” to peers whose stories resonated, fostering a spirit of encouragement and connection.

Following the networking session, Sarah Newell, IIGE Program Administrator and Academic Advisor, provided an overview of IIGE’s academic offerings, including the Global Honors Program, its Minors in Global Engagement and Innovation and Design, and its microcredentials in Global Leadership, Global Citizenship, and the NextGen Civic Leader Corps. Liz Hunt, IIGE Program Coordinator, described the benefits of NextGen Civic Leader Corps, a program that helps students develop public service values and civic leadership skills.

The event exemplified IIGE’s commitment to cultivating global citizenship and leadership through authentic engagement.