A Global Perspective

By Charles McKenzie, January 26, 2024

Davis Scholars event showcases the diversity of IC.

The most recent cohort of Davis United World College Scholars gathered at the residence of President La Jerne Terry Cornish.

(Photo by Ethan Beer '26)

Saying that Ithaca College’s Davis United World College Scholars “come from around the world” doesn’t fully capture the essence of their diversity.

To truly chart their journeys, the 20 scholars would need a map adorned with pins, rubber bands, dotted lines, and sticky notes in dozens of languages. The result of such a project would show a beautiful amalgamation of countries, cultures and understanding.

And that is the entire point. Whether they came to Ithaca from Ghana by way of Italy, or from Kenya by way of Armenia, the paths the scholars took to get to the South Hill are as varied as the students themselves.

One wintry night last semester, all of these paths led to the president’s residence, where they were guests of honor, dining with President La Jerne Terry Cornish, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Melanie Stein and other members of the Ithaca College administration and staff.

“Everyone in the international community and the overall community itself is very nice. I feel like IC creates a sense of community as a whole, which made me feel very welcome.”

Moa Imchen '27

Gratitude flowed in all directions as IC officials thanked the first-year scholars for all that they bring to the campus, especially cross-cultural communication and understanding.

One by one, the students thanked the college, the UWC Scholars program and even one another.

Students were presented with crystal globes as a symbol of the contribution they're making to Ithaca College being a more global community. (Photo by Ethan Beer '26)

“I love these spaces. It's really cool that IC includes international people, so thank you for that. I feel really seen and appreciated,” said Oscar Jiménez Rodríguez '27. Originally from Mexico, he attended UWC high school in Hong Kong, and he now double majors in computer science and television & digital media production. “I love IC. There's a real community here.”

Moa Imchen '27, who is from India, also appreciates the sense of community.

“I met so many new people, and I have felt very welcomed. Everyone in the international community and the overall community itself is very nice,” said the business major who is minoring in live event design management. “I feel like IC creates a sense of community as a whole, which made me feel very welcome. I really enjoyed my first semester, and I’m grateful to be here.”

The Davis Scholars program is the world’s largest privately funded international scholarship program. Participants hail from more than 160 countries and receive an International Baccalaureate diploma at one of 18 international UWC high schools around the globe before moving on to college. Ithaca College’s first official cohort of three scholars enrolled in the fall 2020 semester.

“Ithaca College has a lot to give to you just as you have a lot to give to us because by you coming here, you are giving a gift to this campus. I’m so happy to have you here, and we are here to support you on your journey."

Provost Melanie Stein

At the event, this year’s cohort was welcomed by Shana Gore, interim associate vice president for enrollment and student success.

“As you settle in, we encourage you to immerse yourselves in our vibrant community and to really take advantage of all the opportunities that Ithaca College has to offer for you,” Gore said. “This year was just the beginning of the moments and memories that are going to become your Ithaca College experience.”

Provost Stein also shared her excitement.

“It is such a treat to see all of you here,” she said. “I still remember last spring, when I heard the amazing news that we were getting 20 scholars. IC has a lot to give to you just as you have a lot to give to us because by you coming here, you are giving a gift to this campus. I’m so happy to have you here, and we are here to support you on your journey."

“The faculty are very helpful in integrating international students. It has made it a nice time. I did not expect that I would enjoy it as much as I am right now.”

Mery Ximena Luna Gamboa '27

Diana Dimitrova, director of international student and scholar services in the Office of International Programs, also spoke to the group.

“You come from such special experiences, and you bring tremendous international education experience already,” she said. “I have been very happy that you don't keep that knowledge and resilience to yourself but share both with each other in this cohort and also with your fellow students.”

Some of the Davis Scholars say the transition to both a new college and a new country was difficult at times, but they managed for two reasons: their new networks of friends and the support of IC’s staff and faculty.

“I feel really supported, and I give thanks for that,” said Mery Ximena Luna Gamboa '27, who is from Colombia and attended UWC Adriatic in Italy. “The faculty are very helpful in integrating international students. It has made it a nice time. I did not expect that I would enjoy it as much as I am right now.”

Students were given the chance to connect with each other during the event. (Photo by Ethan Beer '27)

Stefaniya Tovstik '27 is from Belarus but came to IC from UWC Costa Rica. “I had no idea what to do when I came here,” she said. “Communicating with the staff really helped a lot.”

Tovstik also said her new friends have helped.

“I have built a really great core group of friends since I've gotten here, so I’ve been having a really nice time," she said. “I did not expect to build such deep connections in such a short time, but it happened.”

Cecilia Wanjiku '27, who is from Kenya but went to UWC in Armenia, agrees.

“I have really enjoyed the community I've met, and all the new people I've gotten close to in the last few months.”

“I am so proud by how Ithaca College opened its arms to make them feel like they were walking into a community, that they felt so welcomed. I think that that's a through line for us. No matter where you come from, you can come here and find community.”

President La Jerne Terry Cornish

Vasilisa Ragulina '27 said the homesickness she felt after moving from her native Russia to Germany was relatively mild, but when it came time to leave her second home for Ithaca, it was much more difficult at first.

“The transition to IC was not as easy as I expected because I spent the summer with my host family and built a really strong bond with them, so leaving them and my friends to come to IC was really difficult,” she said. “But I was able to quickly make deep connections at IC with both international students and students from here.”

Whether on campus and its surrounding natural lands or around Ithaca and the region, several Davis Scholars said they appreciated the opportunities to explore.

Marian Mahasantipiya '27, who is an editorial cartoonist for The Ithacan, is from Thailand and went to UWC Japan. “One of the big things that I really appreciate about IC so far is the nature. I really enjoy seeing the deer,” she said. “The nature has made me miss home a little bit less.”

President Cornish expressed her own gratitude that this cohort of Davis Scholars had found so much support so quickly and had built networks that included students from both the U.S. and abroad.

“I am so proud by how Ithaca College opened its arms to make them feel like they were walking into a community, that they felt so welcomed," she said. “I think that that's a through line for us. No matter where you come from, you can come here and find community.”