The University of Illinois Graduate College is proud to announce that Emily Wuchner, Assistant Director for Student Experience, has been honored with an Outstanding International Advocate Award by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). The award recognizes university employees who are dedicated to supporting and enhancing the experiences of international students and scholars.

Wuchner enthusiastically supports students throughout their educational journey, but particularly at the beginning and end of their studies at Illinois. An integral member of the Student Success team, her roles include the creation of GradMAP orientation materials, communications and community support for new graduate students, and overseeing the thesis deposit process and resources for students who are at the writing stage of their journey. She is also integral to several other initiatives, including Research Live! and the newly launched resources for Individual Development Plans. The Graduate College Student Success team is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey at Illinois and beyond.

The award citation commended Wuchner for the "wonderful work you do to promote and provide meaningful experiences for our international student and scholar population."

One of Wuchner's nominators wrote: 

Not only is she willing to go in person overseas to pre-arrival orientation, but while there she speaks to all the incoming international students with such passion and a genuine desire to help that it elevates the whole program. She’ll meet them individually or talk to them as a group, and fully engages in a way that can’t be faked. I’m always impressed by her commitment to advocate for our population.

In response to the award, Emily Wuchner said:

There are so many individuals and offices across campus who work hard to support our international students, and I am so honored to receive this recognition. International students make up such an important part of our campus community and I’m so happy to be part of their journey at Illinois: from welcoming them to campus to coaching them through academic milestones to cheering them on at graduation. I learn so much from our students and try my best to use what I learn to make campus and our community a better place.

Wuchner's efforts have made a lasting impact on the international graduate student community here at Illinois. She was celebrated at the 2023 ISSS Awards Ceremony, held on December 4, 2023.

The Graduate College invites you to join us in celebrating Emily Wuchner's well-deserved award.