2026 International Student Awards Ceremony
This news article recaps the 2026 International Student Awards Ceremony
Celebrating and Honoring UIC's International Student Scholars
On Wednesday, April 8, the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) hosted its 2026 International Students Award Ceremony, recognizing the exceptional and meaningful contributions of UIC's international student community.
In their remarks, Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda, Vice Provost Jim Hammerschmidt, and Ambassador Reyna Torres, Consul General of Mexico and Dean of the Chicago Corps, highlighted the outstanding accomplishments of the award recipients. Chancellor Miranda underscored, "You’re advancing discovery across so many fields – from computational cancer genomics and AI-driven public health to biomedical imaging and climate-resilient cities. You’re pushing boundaries in quantum photonics, robotics, machine learning, and neurorehabilitation. Across disciplines and across borders, you are helping redefine what’s possible."
Collectively, this year’s recipients of the International Student Ambassador Service Award, Laurette Kirstein Scholarship, and Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award represent an inspiring depth of talent and breadth of perspectives that enrich the university community and impact Chicago, the U.S., and the world.
The International Student Ambassador Service Award honors students who have made significant contributions to campus and community life, particularly through fostering cross-cultural understanding. The Laurette Kirstein Scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to achieving their goals. The Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award reflects the longstanding partnership between UIC and Chicago’s international consular community, supporting opportunities that advance students’ academic and professional growth.
The ceremony served as a moment of reflection on the broader impact of international students at UIC. From advancing research in science and technology to addressing complex global challenges and strengthening communities, this year’s awardees exemplify the values of global engagement and scholarly excellence. Their achievements demonstrate the transformative power of global education and the importance of investing in the next generation of scholars and leaders.