History of Global at Rochester

1850-1960: Establishing foundations

As early as its founding in 1850, the University of Rochester began laying the groundwork for becoming a globally engaged institution. Under the leadership of Martin Brewer Anderson, the University’s first president, the early academic programs were established with a focus on liberal education.

The early 20th century brought further growth and international exposure. David Jayne Hill, the University’s second president, who later became the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, significantly influenced the University’s international relations. Theodore Roosevelt, a close friend of Hill, visited the University in 1900 to deliver an address during its 50th-anniversary celebration.

The Eastman School of Music, founded in 1921, quickly became an international beacon, attracting faculty and students from around the world. The school’s influence extended globally, with its performing groups touring Europe, the USSR, and the Middle East in 1961-62.

In 1950, the University of Rochester hosted a landmark Human Rights Conference as part of its centennial celebrations. This event featured keynote speakers such as Eleanor Roosevelt, the first U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Ralph Bunche, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and diplomat. The conference was a significant moment in the University’s commitment to global engagement.

1967-2003: Growing international presence

The post-war era and the civil rights movement in the U.S. opened new doors for international students, and the University of Rochester embraced this change. The 1960s marked the formal inauguration of the Foreign Students Office in 1967, which was later renamed the International Services Office (ISO). This office plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive support for international students and scholars, ensuring their integration into campus life.

By 2003, the University of Rochester was home to 1,326 international students from 86 countries, making up 15.88% of the student body. This diverse community was a testament to the University’s growing global reach. View the latest international student body statistics.

Additionally, the expansion of study abroad programs provided transformative educational experiences, with more students engaging in international exchanges. Now, the Center for Education Abroad supports the more than 25% of Rochester students who engage in global experiences.

2014-2024: Formalization and expansion

The University of Rochester’s commitment to global engagement was solidified with the establishment of our office, the Office for Global Engagement (GLOBAL), in 2014. This office provides strategic leadership and coordination for the University’s international initiatives, further enhancing its global presence and influence. The office also plays a crucial role in expanding support services for international students, faculty, scholars, and staff, ensuring they had the resources needed to thrive at the University.

During this period, the office expanded its initiatives, focusing on significantly enhancing services for international students, faculty, scholars, and staff, broadening education abroad services for students and faculty, and establishing new international partnerships.

By 2018, the international student population had grown to over 3,200, representing nearly 30% of the total student body and over 130 different countries. The University’s global partnerships also flourished, with collaboration occurring with over 100 international institutions, facilitating student exchanges, joint research projects, and other global initiatives. Discover the latest facts and figures from our office.

This period also marked the launch of the University’s first Global Awards in 2024 and the formalization of plans for Global Celebration Week in 2025, alongside an expanded International Education Week. These landmark initiatives have significantly advanced the University’s internationalization efforts, strengthening engagement with both internal and external partners and reinforcing our commitment to expanding our global footprint and enhancing collaboration across borders.

Looking ahead

Our office’s strategic plan outlines the University’s global engagement priorities for the next several years. This plan focuses on four major areas:

1. International Partnerships and Engagement
2. Global Education and Mobility Pathways
3. International Diversity and Campus Climate
4. Global Profile and Reputation

These priorities support and align with the broader goals of the University of Rochester’s Boundless Possibility: 2030 Strategic Plan, a visionary framework that guides the institution toward framing and solving the greatest challenges of the future.

In addition, we welcomed Ravi Shankar as the Interim Vice Provost for Global Engagement in Fall 2024. Learn more about our leadership.