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Spring 2026 IAFS Commencement Speaker: Gaea Logan

Eileen Brown — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:06:39 +0000

Spring 2026 IAFS Commencement Speaker: Gaea Logan Eileen Brown Fri, 04/03/2026 - 13:06

We are honored to welcome Gaea Logan (LPC-S, CGP) as this year’s IAFS commencement speaker!

A leader at the intersection of mental health, human rights, and global resilience, Gaea is the Founder and Executive Director of the International Center for Mental Health and Human Rights, where she works to expand trauma-informed care and strengthen mental health systems in communities impacted by conflict and displacement. With more than four decades of experience as a licensed professional counselor, certified group psychotherapist, and clinical supervisor, her work reflects the core values of international affairs—bridging disciplines, cultures, and lived experiences to advance human dignity and global well-being.

In addition to her clinical practice in Colorado and Texas, Gaea has led trainings and developed partnerships around the world, including recent efforts supporting mental health infrastructure in Ukraine through the International Institute for Trauma Studies. She has collaborated with humanitarian organizations, universities, and national programs to equip psychologists, psychiatrists, and aid workers with tools to respond to trauma in complex global contexts. A Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and recipient of the Social Responsibility Award, Gaea’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to compassion, social justice, and the advancement of human rights.

We look forward to the perspective and guidance Gaea will offer our graduates, grounded in a career dedicated to advancing resilience, human rights, and global well-being.

IAFS 2026 Spring Graduation Ceremony

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Spring 2026 - IAFS Graduating Senior Spotlight - Maya Tornerud

Eileen Brown — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:17:20 +0000

Spring 2026 - IAFS Graduating Senior Spotlight - Maya Tornerud Eileen Brown Thu, 04/02/2026 - 09:17

We asked a few of our graduating seniors to share why they chose to major in International affairs, what their experience at CU was like, and what they plan on doing after graduating. Here is our second spotlight!

Maya Tornerud - IAFS Major, Certificate in Peace, Conflict and Security Studies, Leader of IAFS Club

What drew you to IAFS, and what kept you here?

I was drawn to IAFS because it let me study global issues through politics, history, law, and culture all at once. What kept me here was how involved I was able to get. I joined multiple clubs, took on leadership roles, and worked on research projects that made the field feel real and impactful. Being surrounded by people just as passionate, including my best friend Lauren who is also in IAFS, made it feel like both an academic home and a community.

What class, project, or experience had the biggest impact on you?

Every single PACS course I have taken has left a profound impact on me that has shaped my overall IAFS experience and my career trajectory. IAFS is incredibly interdisciplinary with varying dimensions of studies, so when I was introduced to conflict studies by Dr. English my undergraduate experience shifted forever. I found purpose within it and most importantly I found a way to connect to humans in a way a did not think was possible otherwise.

What are your plans after graduation, and how will IAFS shape them?

I have been accepted into multiple graduate programs including Brown University's MPA Program and the Peace and Conflict Program at Uppsala. These opportunities will allow me to deepen my focus on international governance, peacebuilding, and security. IAFS has shaped these goals by giving me both the academic foundation and practical experience to pursue them. Through my coursework, research, and leadership roles, I have developed a strong understanding of global conflict, diplomacy, and policy analysis. Looking ahead, I also plan to attend law school to further specialize in international law and ultimately pursue a career at the intersection of law, diplomacy, and global security.

What is your favorite memory at CU or in IAFS?

My favorite memory within IAFS is being able to defend my thesis and witness the culmination of my hard work and research!

If there were an IAFS yearbook, what would your senior quote be?

“I may mediate conflict, but I am always down for the hot gossip”

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I was on Chopped Junior at 11 years old!

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Peace Corps Application Workshop - 4/8 2-3pm

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Peace Corps Application Workshop - 4/8 2-3pm Puttroff, Mont… Wed, 04/01/2026 - 14:00

[CU Events Calendar] Looking to stand out from the rest on your Peace Corps application? Attend a virtual workshop to find the right program, browse volunteer opportunities, and make your application shine.

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Spring 2026 - IAFS Graduating Senior Spotlight - Nick Olson

Eileen Brown — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:29:29 +0000

Spring 2026 - IAFS Graduating Senior Spotlight - Nick Olson Eileen Brown Wed, 04/01/2026 - 13:29

Nick Olson - IAFS Major, German Minor, Certificate in European Studies, Leader of IAFS Club

What drew you to IAFS, and what kept you here?

I was drawn to IAFS due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program; I stayed in the program because of the amazing professors and people I’ve met through it.

What class, project, or experience had the biggest impact on you?

My honors Western European Politics class had the biggest impact on me because of its small scale. I was able to go into class every day and have amazing intellectual conversations facilitated by our professors Dr. Fitzgerald. Through that class I discovered my academic interest in studying the European far right.

What are your plans after graduation, and how will IAFS shape them?

After I graduate from IAFS I will be attending NYU’s school of professional studies to get my masters in global studies. CU’s IAFS program has played a major role in shaping me academically and personally in order to achieve my goals. The nature of the program has allowed me to be exposed to a vast array of course subjects that have helped lead my academic future.

What is your favorite memory at CU or in IAFS?

My favorite IAFS memory is from my study abroad experience in the summer of 2023, where I studied with other CU students in Bordeaux, France. Through this program I met some of my best friends at CU and also was lucky enough to be lectured to my international faculty who expanded our views of issues in France and the US.

If there were an IAFS yearbook, what would your senior quote be?

My quote would be “No matter how much you’ve done or how successful you’ve been, there’s always more to do, always more to learn and always more to achieve.” Barack Obama

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I can juggle!

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Find Success in Your Internship! - 4/7 1-2pm

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Find Success in Your Internship! - 4/7 1-2pm Puttroff, Mont… Tue, 03/31/2026 - 14:00

[CU Events Calendar] As many students begin or plan to begin internships, CU wants students to be aware of the resources available for students to maximize their opportunities. This will be the first of three workshops designed to help students boost professional growth, build real skills, and overall make the most of their internships.

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Conference on World Affairs - Featured Sessions for IAFS Students

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:53:15 +0000

Conference on World Affairs - Featured Sessions for IAFS Students Puttroff, Mont… Mon, 03/30/2026 - 14:53

The Conference on World Affairs (CWA) returns to 91��ý with an exciting lineup of discussions tackling today’s most pressing global issues. From democracy and nationalism to shifting geopolitical power and global development, these sessions offer students a unique opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions, and explore international affairs in real time.

Below are highlighted sessions organized by day. Be sure to plan ahead and attend the conversations that interest you most!

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

You're Saying There's a Chance: Building a Brighter Future for the World

2:00PM - 3:10PM | Limelight Flatiron 1

What can the human race do to save ourselves from war, climate change, population decline and AI?

Speakers: Azadeh Khalili, Kevin Kuruc, Scott Sherman

How to Lose a Democracy in 10 Days

3:30PM - 4:40PM | Limelight Flatiron 2

An analysis of the processes enabling global democratic backsliding, modern authoritarianism and what can be done to stop it.

Speakers: John Heffernan, Joshua A. Levy, Srdja Popovic

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Flags, Borders and Belonging: The Politics of Nationalism

9:00AM - 10:10AM | Limelight Flatiron 1

How are countries protecting their national identity in an increasingly globalized world?

Speakers: Ernesto Araújo, Joe Cirincione, Natasha Lindstaedt, Marco Messina

Africa: Opportunity in the World's Richest Continent

9:00AM - 10:10AM | Limelight Flatiron 4

How is the the world of international business reshaping the African continent?

Speakers: Aboubakr Jamai Berraoui, Azadeh Khalili, Luvuyo Rani, Lizzy Shackelford

Population Decline: Crisis or Cure?

11:15AM - 12:25PM | Limelight Flatiron 4

Examine who holds AI responsibility and how policy, institutions and public trust are evolving as the rules continue to take shape.

Speakers: Asher Jay, Sofia Romansky, Sheila Warren, Ling Xin

From Rubble to Reconstruction: What Comes Next?

2:30PM - 3:40PM | Limelight Flatiron 4

How societies coming out of a period of violent conflict can recover and rebuild successful governments.

Speakers: Meghna Guhathakurta, Laura I Harder, John Heffernan, Luvuyo Rani

Risk-y Business: The Strategic Game of Geopolitical Conquests

4:00PM - 5:10PM | Limelight Flatiron 1

Examine how shifting global power dynamics affect security, economies and everyday life, and why it matters now more than ever.

Speakers: Ernesto Araújo, Paul Bierman, János Zoltán Csák, Dr. Meghna Guhathakurta

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Is Anyone Out There: Are Non-Profits Facing Extinction?

11:00AM - 12:10PM | Limelight Flatiron 4

Roundtable: When the government retreats and the community falters, can the nonprofit safety net catch us?

Speakers: Devon Gray, Dr. Kerry Magro, Alexa Mohsenzadeh, Luvuyo Rani, Lynn Warshafsky

The World's Last Group Project: Are Intergovernmental Organizations Still Relevant?

11:00AM - 12:10PM | Limelight Flatiron 1

Exploring the ways power politics are reshaping international interactions in the 21st century.

Speakers: János Zoltán Csák, Lizzy Shackelford, Lorraine Voles

Shifting World Order: Geopolitics in a New Era

2:45PM - 3:55PM | Boulder High School

This panel will address how international relations and alliances are being redefined in a time of rapid change and global conflict.

Speakers: Aboubakr Jamai Berraoui, Paul Bierman, Professor Patrick J. Deneen, Natasha Lindstaedt

Many of the events this year will be held at the Limelight Hotel, located on the corner of Broadway and University Avenue.

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From Boulder to Southeast Asia: A Global Career Conversation with Rick Vargo - 4/8/2026

Eileen Brown — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:50:27 +0000

From Boulder to Southeast Asia: A Global Career Conversation with Rick Vargo - 4/8/2026 Eileen Brown Fri, 03/27/2026 - 12:50

[Center for Asian Studies] Join us for a conversation with Rick Vargo, 91��ý alumnus and former CEO of Singlife, as he shares insights on global business, career pathways abroad, and living and working in Asia. This is a great opportunity to explore international careers and learn directly from an experienced industry leader.

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IAFS is Sponsoring the 2026 Conference on World Affairs!

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 20:25:59 +0000

IAFS is Sponsoring the 2026 Conference on World Affairs! Puttroff, Mont… Thu, 03/26/2026 - 14:25

The International Affairs Program (IAFS) at 91��ý is proud to sponsor the 2026 Conference on World Affairs (CWA), one of the university’s most dynamic and globally focused annual events. This partnership highlights IAFS’s commitment to connecting students with real-world conversations on today’s most pressing international issues.

IAFS and CWA share a strong foundation in global engagement, student leadership, and experiential learning. By sponsoring CWA, IAFS helps expand opportunities for students to engage directly with policymakers, scholars, journalists, and professionals from around the world. This collaboration strengthens the bridge between classroom learning and real-world global dialogue.

This year marks the 78th Annual Conference on World Affairs, kicking off the university's 150th Anniversary celebration. Speakers for this event include prominent figures such as 21st President of CU, George Hanks "Hank" Brown, newly instated Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo, and renowned activist Malala Yousafzai as the closing speaker.

"The Conference on World Affairs allows students who are interested in the world’s most pressing topics to be introduced to perspectives they might not otherwise hear in Boulder. CWA does this by bringing the world to Boulder,” Luca Scuriatti (IAFS student and CWA Student Programming Co-Chair).

We highly encourage all students to get involved with CWA this year, this event offers students a unique opportunity to attend panels, ask questions, and participate in conversations shaping international affairs today. Whether you're interested in politics, global development, economics, or cultural issues, CWA provides valuable insight and networking opportunities.

Please note: while CWA is free and open to the public, tickets are required to see Malala. Unfortunately, tickets have sold out at this time.

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Internship with Congressman Jason Crow - Applications Due 4/1

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:21:03 +0000

Internship with Congressman Jason Crow - Applications Due 4/1 Puttroff, Mont… Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:21

Internships for Congressman Jason Crow's Aurora office are now open to students! This opportunity offers flexible working hours with an expectation of 20+ hours per work, with office hours from 9am-5pm. Applications are due by 11:59pm MT on April 1st, apply now!

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Civic Embers Virtual Exchange — RSVP Now!

Eileen Brown — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:32:57 +0000

Civic Embers Virtual Exchange — RSVP Now! Eileen Brown Mon, 03/23/2026 - 12:32

Join Civic Embers for two live virtual exchange sessions connecting CU undergraduate students with Ukrainian high school students for meaningful cross-cultural dialogue—no Ukrainian language required. Sessions will be held on Thursday, April 2 (9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. MT) and Thursday, April 23 (9:30–11:00 a.m. MT) via Zoom. Learn more and complete the interest form to participate. Email Prof. Sarah Wilson Sokhey with any questions.

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