At the University of Rochester, the spirit of Meliora—Ever Better—drives us to look beyond borders, embrace diverse perspectives, and engage with the world in meaningful ways. Through international partnerships, research collaborations, education abroad, Fulbright programs, cultural exchanges, and the contributions of our international students and scholars, our community makes a lasting impact locally and globally.
This issue of Global Connections highlights the people, partnerships, and projects that reflect our commitment to global engagement and advance knowledge, innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity.
Partnerships Built on Shared Knowledge
Our approach to international partnerships and exchanges is grounded in equity, reciprocity, and the creation and exchange of knowledge. As Emnet Tadesse Woldegiorgis describes in University World News (September 16, 2026), this work creates a “shared space of inquiry” where institutions and communities learn from one another.
Our relationship with Hamamatsu, Japan, is one example of how academic collaboration and community engagement can strengthen international ties. Through the Rochester–Hamamatsu sister-city relationship, opportunities for educational, cultural, and research exchange bring together university and community partners.
Similarly, our partnership with Rennes, France, continues to grow through shared civic and academic connections. The inaugural Global Leadership Award, presented to the mayors of Rochester and Rennes, recognizes the importance of these international relationships.
Together, these collaborations create opportunities for students, faculty, researchers, and civic leaders to exchange ideas, build connections, and advance shared goals.
Expanding Opportunities Through Fulbright
The University of Rochester is consistently recognized among U.S. colleges and universities for its success in producing Fulbright U.S. Student Grant recipients. The Office for Global Engagement also partners with the Warner School of Education & Human Development to host the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers (Fulbright DAI).
Over the past three years, the program has welcomed more than 20 international teachers annually from 16 countries, providing opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing with U.S. colleagues. Their participation enriches the university and the broader Rochester community while strengthening connections across education systems and cultures.
Celebrating International Education Week
The University of Rochester joins institutions across the country in celebrating International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.
IEW highlights the value of international education and exchange while recognizing the experiences, perspectives, and contributions of our students, scholars, faculty, and community members. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the many ways global engagement shapes learning, research, and collaboration across the university.
Building Our Global Community
As we celebrate these achievements, I encourage each of you to consider how you can contribute to the university’s global engagement efforts. Whether through developing international partnerships, welcoming international students and scholars, supporting education abroad, participating in cultural exchange, or engaging with our local community, there are many ways to make a difference.
Together, we can strengthen the University of Rochester’s global connections and continue advancing the spirit of Meliora through meaningful collaboration, shared knowledge, and lasting impact.
Meliora,
Ravi Shankar