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Advance your knowledge with HIST 3800: The Global 1960's - Protest & Revolution

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:19:10 +0000

Advance your knowledge with HIST 3800: The Global 1960's - Protest & Revolution Puttroff, Mont… Tue, 07/28/2026 - 12:19

How did student and worker movements around the world reshape politics and society during the "long 1960s"? HIST 3800-001 examines the global wave of activism that transformed countries across the Americas, Asia, and both Western and Eastern Europe while challenging political systems, national identities, and social movements.

Students will deepen their understanding of the global protests of the late 1960s, engage with major scholarly debates surrounding the era, and explore historical methodologies including transnational history and memory studies.

Course Details

Course: HIST 3800: Seminar in Global History
Topic: The Global 1960's - Protest & Revolution
Instructor: Dr. T. Pegelow Kaplan
Time: Tuesdays, 3:30–6:00 p.m.
Semester: Fall 2026
Fulfills: A&S Gen Ed - Arts & Humanities

This semester only, HIST 3800 is open to History minors and non-majors with senior standing by instructor permission. Students interested in enrolling should contact Thomas.Pegelow-Kaplan@colorado.edu for permission. If approved, forward the permission email to the History Education Program Coordinator along with your Student ID number and security passphrase to complete enrollment.

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Prof. Jeffrey Nonnemacher Examines Politics Across Borders at EPSS Conference

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Prof. Jeffrey Nonnemacher Examines Politics Across Borders at EPSS Conference Puttroff, Mont… Tue, 06/23/2026 - 14:00

In June 2026, Jeffrey Nonnemacher (IAFS Assistant Teaching Professor and Internship Program Director) presented research on the interconnected nature of political parties in Europe at the first annual meeting of the newly formed European Political Science Society in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. His research aims to understand why parties and party leaders would publicly attach themselves to foreign leaders of similar ideological leanings from different countries, as many radical right leaders did earlier this year in a video endorsement of Viktor Orbán for the 2026 Hungarian elections. His work was featured on a panel that focused on how political parties in different countries organize themselves and make strategic decisions. It was an insightful panel on how much we can learn about democracy, democratic competition, and political parties by taking a transnational approach to the key actors in political competition.

Beyond academic circles, the conference was hosted in Belfast which, days prior the conference, experienced violent anti-immigration protests by right-wing groups in response to a knife attack against police. It was a sudden reminder about how important identity remains in Northern Ireland, where national and religious ties continue to dominate and divide society. In Belfast, union jacks were a common occurrence where the flag of the Republic of Ireland was flown much more commonly in rural areas. In international affairs, where we take pride in looking beyond borders, nowhere is this more important than Ireland where the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland requires a deep understanding of history, society, politics, religious studies, and colonial legacies. Prof. Nonnemacher is excited to bring these perspectives back to his classroom this semester in IAFS 1000: Global Issues and International Affairs and PSCI 4002: West European Politics.

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Voices of Vienna: Alec Rumoro's Global Seminar Journey

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Voices of Vienna: Alec Rumoro's Global Seminar Journey Puttroff, Mont… Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:00

For International Affairs student Alec Rumoro (IAFS '28), studying abroad in Vienna through the Global Seminar: Voices of Vienna (Vienna, Austria) program offered the chance to experience a new culture while exploring the intersection of history, politics, art, and international affairs. During the two-and-a-half-week program, he visited historic landmarks, museums, religious sites, and international institutions across Austria, gaining firsthand insight into topics he had previously only encountered in the classroom.

"I finally got to travel out of the country and experience a new culture which has been my fascination since I was in elementary school," Alec said. "It was highly worth it, and everything I thought it would be!"

Throughout the program, Alec immersed himself in Austrian culture both inside and outside the classroom. Excursions to sites such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, and Melk Abbey introduced students to Austria's rich history, while daily experiences navigating public transportation, trying new foods, and practicing German helped him connect more deeply with local life.

One academic highlight was his research presentation on Austrian nationalism and national symbols. Through the project, Alec explored how symbols such as the Austrian eagle evolved over time to represent different political identities and movements. "It proved more interesting than I first anticipated," he said, noting that the project gave him an opportunity to share an international affairs perspective with many of his engineering classmates.

As the trip continued, Alec became increasingly interested in Vienna's blend of historical significance and modern innovation. Museum visits prompted discussions about cultural restitution and the legacy of World War II, while conversations about Vienna's sustainability initiatives highlighted the city's reputation as a leader in urban planning and environmental planning.

Some of the program's most impactful experiences focused on difficult moments in history. A visit to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp left a lasting impression and reinforced the importance of understanding historical events through direct experience. "It is much different reading about atrocities than visiting the places where they occurred," Alec reflected. "I felt a lot of emotion."

For Alec, one of the most memorable moments of the trip was visiting the United Nations headquarters in Vienna. Having participated in Model United Nations in high school and studied international organizations as an International Affairs major, seeing the institution in person was especially meaningful.

"The highlight of this week was absolutely the UN headquarters," he said. "It was so fascinating and great to be there after doing Model UN in high school and studying it so much."

The final days of the program focused heavily on Vienna's artistic and cultural heritage. Visits to the Belvedere Palace and its collection, including Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, encouraged students to engage with art in new ways through coursework and reflection. Alec also attended a piano recital and appreciated the opportunity to explore subjects outside his usual areas of study.

"I really appreciate the opportunity to be in fields I'm not too experienced with such as art and music," he said. "Because we studied those pieces, I could recognize them and it elevated my experience."

Looking back, Alec says the experience was defined not only by what he learned, but also by the friendships he built and the perspectives he gained. The opportunity to experience another culture firsthand, connect academic concepts to real-world places, and engage with a diverse range of subjects left a lasting impact.

"I want to go back for sure," Alec said. "I'm grateful for my major allowing me to experience this unique and unforgettable study abroad trip."

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Returning to Valparaíso: Art, Memory, and Cultural Identity in Chile

Eileen Brown — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:30:00 +0000

Returning to Valparaíso: Art, Memory, and Cultural Identity in Chile Eileen Brown Fri, 05/29/2026 - 11:30

Get Involved!

Aspen is currently seeking opportunities to connect with alumni, researchers, artists, journalists, NGOs, governmental organizations, and community members in Chile whose work aligns with cultural memory, social justice, public storytelling, international affairs, or the arts.

If you have connections, recommendations, or would be open to speaking with Aspen, please email her at aspenreeves7@gmail.com.

In Fall 2026, IAFS alumna and Global Grant recipient Aspen Reeves (IAFS ’23) will return to Valparaíso, Chile to conduct an independent writing and multimedia project exploring collective memory, memorialization, and the role of art in post-atrocity reconstruction.

Aspen originally studied in Valparaíso during a year-long program in 2023 supported by a Global Grant scholarship. During her time abroad, she became deeply interested in the relationship between public space, political memory, artistic expression, and cultural identity in Chile — interests she now hopes to revisit through a new “from the field” perspective as an alumna pursuing a career connected to international affairs, storytelling, and cultural research. Aspen’s writing and multimedia reflections will be published in collaboration with IAFS and the Latin American and Latinx Studies Center (LALSC).

While in Chile, Aspen plans to focus on collective memory and the role of art in memorialization, using Valparaíso’s vibrant artistic and cultural landscape — including street art, music, literature, and public performance — as a lens for examining how communities preserve history, process political trauma, and communicate identity through creative expression. She also hopes to explore how US–Chile relations and historical political dynamics continue to shape contemporary Chilean national identity and cultural expression.

In addition to written reflections, the project will include a strong visual storytelling component featuring photography, filmed interviews, and videos documenting public art, music, landscapes, performances, and everyday life in Valparaíso.

Keep an eye out for additional articles, interviews, photography, and multimedia reflections from Aspen’s project throughout Fall 2026 on the IAFS website and social media channels!

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Inside Brazil’s Atlantic Forest: Luke Swenk Reflects on Global Seminar Experience

Eileen Brown — Tue, 26 May 2026 19:02:39 +0000

Inside Brazil’s Atlantic Forest: Luke Swenk Reflects on Global Seminar Experience Eileen Brown Tue, 05/26/2026 - 13:02

Luke Swenk (IAFS ’28) shared reflections and photos from his participation in the Global Seminar: Conservation Biology & Practice in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, where students explored conservation efforts across Brazil while working with researchers and local communities. Luke received a Global Grants scholarship to support his education abroad experience.

During the three-week program, hosted by the environmental organization Institute for Ecological Research (IPE), students traveled through several regions of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest to study restoration ecology, biodiversity conservation, and community-based sustainability initiatives.

Early in the program, students stayed at IPE’s headquarters in the Atlantic Forest in São Paulo state, where they participated in lectures and fieldwork. Luke described visiting restoration sites that had once been cattle ranches but are now recovering forest ecosystems. Luke explains that areas cleared away for human development create forest fragments that isolate some animal species since they are not able to leave the forest.

The group also visited a local agroforestry farm, where Luke was struck by the farmers’ knowledge and commitment to sustainable agriculture, working to convince their neighbors to use more sustainable farming practices. He wrote, “They knew every plant, and the different benefits that they provide to humans when consumed.”

As the seminar continued, students traveled to Serra do Mar State Park along Brazil’s coastline, where they camped on the beach and continued to learn about the ecological and cultural dimensions of conservation. While visiting a Guarani mbya Indigenous community, Luke learned that “…the creation of the state park had a negative impact on the community, as traditional activities and livelihood such as fishing were restricted. Today, the small Guarani mbya village we visited is dependent on community-based tourism.”

Students also explored mangrove ecosystems along the Rio Picinguaba and completed a challenging five-hour coastal hike through dense rainforest terrain. The experience offered firsthand exposure to the region’s biodiversity and the physical realities of field research in tropical environments.

In the final week of the program, the group traveled to Morro do Diabo State Park to learn about conservation efforts focused on the endangered Black Lion Tamarin. Students observed how conservationists are working to reconnect isolated forest fragments by creating forest corridors across former cattle ranches. Luke visited a tree nursery where IPE partners with local communities to cultivate native tree species for restoration projects and participated directly in reforestation efforts, planting trees in areas being converted back into forest habitat.

Reflecting on the conclusion of the seminar, Luke wrote, “It was incredible to see people dedicate their lives to protecting the rainforest, and see it come to fruition.”

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Now Hiring: Legal Administrative Assistant at Firm Led by IAFS Alumna

Eileen Brown — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:31:58 +0000

Now Hiring: Legal Administrative Assistant at Firm Led by IAFS Alumna Eileen Brown Wed, 05/20/2026 - 08:31

Curray York & Associates LLC, a boutique immigration law firm in Aurora, Colorado, is seeking an entry-level Legal Administrative Assistant. Managed by IAFS alumna Lisa H. York, the firm offers a great opportunity for someone interested in gaining experience in the legal field and immigration law. The position supports daily office and client service operations in a fast-paced legal environment. Salary range is $40,000–$50,000 annually with benefits included. Please see the full job posting PDF for complete details and application instructions.

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Congrats Grads! IAFS Celebrates the Class of 2026

Eileen Brown — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:55:27 +0000

Congrats Grads! IAFS Celebrates the Class of 2026 Eileen Brown Thu, 05/14/2026 - 13:55

The International Affairs Program celebrated the Class of 2026 on May 2 with a memorable graduation ceremony at the Limelight Hotel, bringing together nearly 700 students, family members, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to recognize this year’s graduates. Held on a beautiful spring afternoon in �ֲ��ý, the ceremony honored the academic achievements, global engagement, and interdisciplinary accomplishments that define the IAFS community.

Earlier that morning, graduates participated in CU �ֲ��ý’s university-wide commencement ceremony at Folsom Field as part of the university’s largest graduating class in history. In total, CU �ֲ��ý awarded more than 10,600 degrees to over 10,000 graduates during the 2026 commencement celebrations, with tens of thousands of family members and guests gathering across campus to celebrate.

The afternoon IAFS ceremony featured commencement speaker Gaea Logan, whose remarks encouraged graduates to continue approaching the world with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to meaningful engagement across cultures and communities. The ceremony also recognized Graciela Horstman as the recipient of the IAFS Global Engagement and Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the program and broader community.

The IAFS Class of 2026 included:

108 majors
51 minors
18 Global Grant graduates
12 Honors Program graduates

The graduating class also reflected the interdisciplinary nature of international affairs studies at CU �ֲ��ý. One in four IAFS graduates completed double majors, while one in five earned two or more minors alongside their international affairs degree.

As they leave �ֲ��ý, IAFS graduates carry forward the global perspective, analytical skills, and collaborative spirit developed through their studies, research, internships, language learning, and international experiences. The program is proud to welcome the Class of 2026 into its growing alumni community and looks forward to seeing the impact they will make around the world.

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2026 Conference on World Affairs Recap

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000

2026 Conference on World Affairs Recap Puttroff, Mont… Wed, 05/13/2026 - 13:00

International Affairs Helps Power a Record-Setting 2026 Conference on World Affairs

The 78th annual Conference on World Affairs (CWA) once again brought thousands of students, community members and viewers together for four days of thought-provoking conversation, global dialogue and unforgettable moments at CU �ֲ��ý.

As a proud co-sponsor of the 2026 Conference on World Affairs, the International Affairs Program (IAFS) was excited to help support one of CU �ֲ��ý’s most iconic traditions, an event that has connected students with global leaders, changemakers and new ideas since 1948.

Student Leadership at the Center

IAFS students played a visible leadership role throughout this year’s conference. Student co-chairs Xander Scholpp and Luca Scuriatti helped guide planning efforts and represented the strong student voice that makes CWA unique. They also helped introduce featured guest Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose closing conversation was one of the signature moments of the week.

CWA’s collaborative planning model continues to stand out nationally, with students working directly alongside faculty, staff and community leaders to shape programming and recruit speakers.

IAFS Connections Across the Program

The International Affairs community was reflected across multiple high-profile sessions and special guests this year.

Srdja Popovic, a globally recognized activist and longtime supporter of CU �ֲ��ý’s Peace, Conflict and Security (PACS) community, participated in multiple panels during the conference. Popovic has previously engaged with CU students through PACS workshops and classroom conversations, making his return to campus especially meaningful. He was featured on the widely viewed panel “Constitutional Crisis: The Presidency and the Rule of Law,” which became the most-watched panel of the conference.

Another notable connection was the presence of former CU President Sandy Bracken, who also previously served on the IAFS Advisory Board. His participation highlighted the longstanding partnership between university leadership and globally focused programming at CU �ֲ��ý.

By the Numbers: 2026 CWA Impact

This year’s conference showcased remarkable campus and public engagement, including:

150+ speakers, guests and moderators
57 panels and 10 special events
7,900 registrations
7,000 estimated in-person attendees
1,600 CU �ֲ��ý student attendees
20,000+ livestream views, recordings available now

These numbers reflect the continued importance of creating spaces where students can engage directly with today’s most urgent global conversations.

Looking Ahead

The Conference on World Affairs remains one of the most exciting opportunities for CU �ֲ��ý students to connect classroom learning with real-world issues. IAFS is proud to continue supporting the conference and looks forward to even more student leadership, global engagement and meaningful partnerships with CWA in the years ahead.

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From �ֲ��ý to Madrid: Karthik Reddy's Global Grants Experience

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000

From �ֲ��ý to Madrid: Karthik Reddy's Global Grants Experience Puttroff, Mont… Tue, 04/28/2026 - 13:00

Karthik Reddy, Computer Science + Business + IAFS student, and Global Grant recipient, is spending Spring 2026 in Madrid, Spain through the WorldStrides Spain: Madrid Antonio de Nebrija University program. He has been thoroughly enjoying Madrid through it's architecture, community, and history. Read his experience below!

"I landed in Madrid a month ago. It's hard to believe I'm already a quarter of the way through, but looking back at each day, I've learned and done a surprising amount. Most days have brought a new lesson or challenge - usually both.

The first thing I noticed, and still notice, is the culture of community here. Groups of people sit at tables, talking, at any hour of the day, often for two or three hours, with no sense of rushing. It's rare to see someone working on a laptop at a café. Work here is treated more as a means to an end rather than the other way around, and seeing that contrast up close has been one of the more striking parts of being here.

In my classes, I've been studying the EU and local architecture, and travel has let me apply those lessons directly. Learning about the Schengen area, then crossing borders and observing its effects firsthand, made the material far more concrete. The architecture in Madrid is remarkably intentional: a range of distinct styles that still feel cohesive across the city. Similarly, studying art history before visiting the Reina Sofía and seeing works by Picasso and Dalí gave those pieces more context and weight than they'd have had otherwise.

My first month here has been excellent. I've traveled, explored, and absorbed more than I expected. Looking forward to making the most of the next few months."

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2026 Global Engagement & Service Award Recipient - Graciela Horstman

Eileen Brown — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:33:14 +0000

2026 Global Engagement & Service Award Recipient - Graciela Horstman Eileen Brown Tue, 04/21/2026 - 13:33

The International Affairs Program is pleased to announce that Graciela Horstman has been selected as the recipient of the IAFS Global Engagement & Service Award.

This award recognizes outstanding IAFS students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, global engagement, and a sustained commitment to service. Graciela exemplifies these values through her interdisciplinary scholarship, international research experiences, and community-based engagement both locally and abroad.

Throughout her time at CU �ֲ��ý, Graciela has pursued meaningful academic and applied work across global contexts. She has combined rigorous study in International Affairs and Economics with hands-on research experience spanning multiple regions and disciplines, including work on development and energy policy, sustainability, and food systems.

As summarized in her nomination materials:

“Graciela Horstman has pursued meaningful engagement in service, research, and experiential learning in global settings throughout her time at CU �ֲ��ý, and she is already applying the lessons she learned to her next steps post-graduation… Graciela deserves to be recognized for her interdisciplinary scholarship, qualitative and quantitative research, and applied community service, all grounded in a multinational framework.” (Prof. Caroline Conzelman)

Her academic journey includes undergraduate research with CU’s Studio Lab, where she contributed to international development and sustainability projects using both qualitative and quantitative methods; field-based research in Bolivia supported by a UROP grant; and study abroad in Peru as a Global Grant Scholar. Her IAFS Honors Program thesis on food sovereignty and globalization in Bolivia was recognized for its innovative analysis and strong empirical grounding.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Graciela has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement. She has worked with refugee support organizations in Denver, supported food security initiatives, and engaged in sustainable agriculture and permaculture practices that inform her academic interests. Across these experiences, she has consistently connected global learning with meaningful local impact.

Graciela will receive a $1,000 award in recognition of her achievements. Please join us in congratulating Graciela on this well-deserved honor!

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news

Advance your knowledge with HIST 3800: The Global 1960's - Protest & Revolution

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Prof. Jeffrey Nonnemacher Examines Politics Across Borders at EPSS Conference

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Voices of Vienna: Alec Rumoro's Global Seminar Journey

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Returning to Valparaíso: Art, Memory, and Cultural Identity in Chile

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Inside Brazil’s Atlantic Forest: Luke Swenk Reflects on Global Seminar Experience

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Now Hiring: Legal Administrative Assistant at Firm Led by IAFS Alumna

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Congrats Grads! IAFS Celebrates the Class of 2026

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2026 Conference on World Affairs Recap

International Affairs Helps Power a Record-Setting 2026 Conference on World Affairs

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From �ֲ���ý to Madrid: Karthik Reddy's Global Grants Experience

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2026 Global Engagement & Service Award Recipient - Graciela Horstman

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From �ֲ��ý to Madrid: Karthik Reddy's Global Grants Experience