1970s to today
In the 1970s, there was a boom of international students and study at Indiana University. Area studies was growing exponentially and called for more organized efforts at the university, so Gus Liebenow was named the first associate dean for international programs. After Leibenow's tenure, George M. Wilson was named associate dean for international programs and headed the new Office of International Programs. In February 1992, the home of international student activities became known as the Leo R. Dowling International Center. During his 34 years of services, it is said that Leo Dowling entertained every international student in his home at least once. In 1993, Patrick O'Meara was appointed dean for international programs by President Michael McRobbie. O'Meara oversaw international programs at all eight IU campuses and implemented IU's first university-wide international strategic plan. His incredible contributions and scholarship continue even beyond his retirement in 2011. David Zaret continued O'Meara's work and efforts and oversaw the launch of many IU Global Gateway offices around the world.
This caption for this image, which appeared in the September 1974 Indiana Alumni Magazine reads, in part: "Hasan M. AlJawadi, one of the first Saudi Arabian educators to enroll in a special program at IU Bloomington shows his Certificate of Attendance to his son Mustafa, 6, and daughter Hanadi, 4...Financed by the Saudi Arabian government, the program trains Saudi Arabian manpower to manage its own educational system."
One of several language flashcards that were used to help international students and families learn English at Indiana University in the 1970s and 80s.
A December 10, 1981 IU News Bureau release included with this image reads, in part: "[Camilla] Williams, a voice teacher, has 'adopted' two students - - one from Taiwan and one from mainland China - - and half a world away from their homes, she has managed to doctor philosophical wounds with the love of music. Because of international tensions, students such as Shuang Wu from Peking, and Tzuoo Yun Tai, from Taipei, must measure their words carefully, Williams said."
"Nigerian Students Struggle Between Country and School." Indiana Daily Student. December 16, 1983.
"International Center Works to Help Foreign Students." Indiana Daily Student. November 12, 1984.
"Soviet Students Adjust to American Life." Indiana Daily Student. October 20, 1989.
"IU's Korean Students Try to Bridge Cultural Gaps." Indiana Daily Student. October 30, 1989.
The International Friend Association's Thanksgiving dinner was an event open to any student who stayed in Bloomington over Thanksgiving. November 1997.
"OASIS Helps International Students Adust." Indiana Daily Student. April 13, 2011.
"Outreach and Support for International Students and Scholars (OASIS) provides psychoeducation and group services for the University's international student community. Through group discussion and skills building courses, the program aims to help international students adjust to life in a different country."
The IU World's Fare is the university's premier international event. This annual showcase of cultures from around the world allows you to taste foods and interact with cultural displays. Pictured here are two students with First Lady Laurie McRobbie on November 16, 2011.
In March 2017, protestors disrupted what was an unrelated planned talk by Provost Lauren Robel to call for IU Bloomington to become a sanctuary campus for undocumented immigrants after Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election.