Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship Announcement

January 9, 2023 10:03 AM

Courtney UhlenhakeCourtney Uhlenhake, a senior majoring in agricultural business and international agriculture, is the 2022 recipient of the Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship. This is the first time that the scholarship has been awarded. This scholarship was established in memory of Maktoum Hamad Al Seiari, a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who graduated from Iowa State University (ISU) in the spring of 2019 with a degree in chemical engineering.  Maktoum was very passionate about the betterment of understanding between cultures. He was one of the first Emirati students to actively participate in ISU’s study abroad program to the UAE, and he continued to do so until his death in 2020. Each year, Maktoum contributed time and resources to the pre-trip orientation class, and to welcoming nearly 30 students and faculty into his home in Abu Dhabi, to share a piece of his culture. While in his home, the food, desserts, tea, and gifts never stopped flowing, as students further immersed themselves in learning about Emirati culture and traditions. The ISU students were amazed by the level of generosity Maktoum and his family exhibited. Students often commented that this was one of the highlights of their study abroad trip to the UAE.

Courtney Uhlenhake was awarded the Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship and used the scholarship towards the Culture and Economic Diversification trip to the UAE in the fall of 2022. This trip was led by program directors Dr. Ebby Luvaga, Dr. Amani Elobeid, and Mr. Jean-Pierre Taoutel.  Courtney’s experience while in the UAE included many agriculture visits, trips to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Falcon Hospital, Dubai Islamic Bank, various tourist and cultural attractions, and, most importantly, exposure to the Emirati culture. In Abu Dhabi, Courtney had the amazing opportunity to meet Maktoum’s family, listen to stories, and learn about their culture through food, dances, and conversations!

Courtney described her study abroad experience to the UAE as the most rewarding, eye-opening international experience she has ever had. “Being selected for the Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship was an honor. This scholarship provided me with a learning experience I never imagined I would partake in at a university level. I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity to experience the positive energy and laughter in the Al Seiari home! I am now very committed to working hard to ensure that I live up to Maktoum’s vision of cultural understanding and global citizenship”.

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