人妻少妇专区

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History of Global at Rochester

Our Global story

1850-1960: Establishing foundations

Eleanor Roosevelt and the Wilsons posing for a photograph
Joseph C. Wilson and his wife, Marie (Peggy) Wilson (center), served as the hosts for Eleanor Roosevelt when she visited Rochester for a University conference and other presentations in 1950.

As early as its founding in 1850, the 人妻少妇专区 began laying the groundwork for becoming a globally engaged institution. Under the leadership of Martin Brewer Anderson, the University鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 , founded in 1921, quickly became an international beacon, attracting faculty and students from around the world. The school鈥檚 influence extended globally, with its performing groups touring Europe, the USSR, and the Middle East in 1961-62.

John F. Kennedy giving a speech in an auditorium at a podium, with the 人妻少妇专区 insignia on display
Speaking in 1959 to a standing-room-only audience in Strong Auditorium, then Senator John F. Kennedy was one of several presidents and presidential candidates to visit campus.

In 1950, the 人妻少妇专区 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鈥檚 commitment to global engagement.

1967-2003: Growing international presence

A group of students pose for the camera while on a boat; photo taken in the 1960s
In 1967: 42 students in France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Switzerland and the UK

The post-war era and the civil rights movement in the U.S. opened new doors for international students, and the 人妻少妇专区 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 人妻少妇专区 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鈥檚 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

Two women pose for the camera in a government office in front of a coat of arms
Former Vice Provost Jane Gatewood meeting with members of the diplomatic community.

The 人妻少妇专区鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

A group of business professionals pose for the camera
Over 1,000 international delegations from higher education, government, and civil society have engaged with the University during this period, meeting with our experts to gain insights and learn about our leading research and programs.

This period also marked the launch of the University鈥檚 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鈥檚 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

A group of students on the 人妻少妇专区 quad
The University is home to more than 4,000 international students and scholars from over 130 countries鈥攁nd we look forward to a future with more boundless possibilities for our global audiences.

Our office鈥檚 strategic plan outlines the University鈥檚 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 人妻少妇专区 Climate
  4. Global Profile and Reputation

These priorities support and align with the broader goals of the 人妻少妇专区鈥檚 , 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.