This Fall, Scott Sernau, Professor of Sociology at IU South Bend, won an IU Bicentennial award for his long-term commitment to study abroad. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff applaud Scott for his commitment to helping students learn about the world outside of the US. We are so proud of Scott!
If you’d like to send us words of congratulations, photos, or short appreciation videos, you can mail them to IntpIUSouthBend@gmail.com, and we will add them to our page.
From Chancellor Susan Elrod
Congratulations to Scott on this well deserved award of an IU Bicentennial Medal. This honor recognizes Scott’s commitment to the university, his students and the transformational power of higher education. Scott’s work with Study Abroad is a shining example us all.
From Professor Terri Hebert, Science Education
Congratulations to Scott on winning the well-deserved IU South Bend Bicentennial award! He embodies study abroad and the importance of learning about the world beyond our own backyard. Scott serves tirelessly when asked and extends his expertise to faculty designing and implementing new learning experiences to other countries. Thanks, Scott, for all that you do! Enjoy the prestige that comes with this award!
From Professor Kristyn Quimby, Health Sciences
It was a brief conversation with Dr. Sernau and a semester of inspiring discussions and stories on “The Good Life” during my coursework in the Master of Liberal Studies program that led to my development of a study abroad program to Costa Rica. Without his support, inspiration, knowledge, and guidance, I would not have discovered my interest and passion in study abroad nor realized my dream of creating a health promotion program abroad. Since that conversation about the possibilities of a new program, he and I have co-led trips to two different countries. I am forever grateful to him and all he brings to international programs!
From Jeffrey Luppes, Associate Professor of German
Thank you very much for your commitment to study abroad and to all things at IU South Bend over the years. I have especially appreciated your support of the German Program. Congratulations on this special award!
Alles Gute!
From former Vice Chancellor Linda Fristchner,
As a faculty member, Scott has carried on IU’s tradition of civic engagement in both national and international service. Notably he has broadened his outlook and that of his students by study abroad programs in Mexico, Costa Rica, and his “semesters at sea.” Through these programs he not only enriched his courses but also the experiences of students who have not had the opportunity to study abroad. Congratulations, Scott!
From Professor Hayley Froysland
I’d like to send my extreme appreciation to Scott for the instrumental role he exercised in founding the IU South Bend Study Abroad programs in Mexico and Costa Rica, and for his continued dedication to the value of learning about the world beyond the boundaries of the United States! Congratulations on the award, Scott!
From Desmond A. Atem, alum of Costa Rica program
I was a student in professor Sernau’s study abroad course in Costa Rica. This was a trip of a lifetime! Professor Sernau was an exemplary leader who made sure students received a unique and immersive experience in a foreign culture. Prof Sernau is not only an outstanding educator but a fun professor with a zest for life. Enjoyed the course!
From Aubrey Stevens, Alumna of Costa Rica trip
Professor Sernau has the temperament of a warm oceanside breeze. In Spring 2011 I had the pleasure of being under the tutelage of Dr. Sernau as we travelled to Guanacaste, Costa Rica. I want to thank him for his commitment to not only teaching us about Costa Rica, but also for being a calming and bright spirit during our time abroad. Professor Sernau tore his rotator cuff on the ocean kayak trip and still had a smile on his face after Dr. Danny treated him, so he literally taught us to stretch beyond ourselves to become immersed into another culture.
From Kayleigh Cosh
Congratulations!
From Taylor Johnson, former student of Scott Sernau
Mr. Sernau was always the friendliest professor. Always up for an adventure and some dancing, especially Zumba!
From MiChelle Redding, alumna of the Costa Rica trip
I was lucky to have Scott as a great navigator and leader!
From Dé Bryant, Professor of Psychology
Scott has been such a presence in international work and community engagement that I have long since forgotten when we met. He has been a stalwart and an inspiration to those looking to expand our students’ experiences beyond the classroom walls and even outside the US shores. Such a well-earned distinction. Congratulations, Scott!
From Sophia Zovich, alumna of the Costa Rica trip
Scott Sernau has always been an inspiration to me. I grew up with his family, and when I found out that he was leading the trip to Costa Rica I was ecstatic! He is always so fun to be around and supportive of his students, even years after the trip is over! What an inspirational man Scott Sernau is, and he deserves this award and everything good that comes to him!
From Frank Karczewski, Alum of the Costa Rica trip
Scott, Thank you so much for allowing me to experience Costa Rica. I’ll always treasure that time. Pura Vida!
From Professor Neovi Karakatsanis, Political Science
Without Scott’s encouragement, advice and support I doubt I would have developed my study abroad program on the European Union. For me and for many other faculty members like me, Scott served as an important mentor as we worked to globalize our curriculum and expand the world-views of our students. We are all very grateful for Scott’s countless contributions!
From Erica (Morris) Elston, alumna of the Costa Rica trip
Scott has a passion for education and diverse cultures which made my study abroad that much more enriching!
From Joe Chaney, Professor of English
I directed several summer overseas programs during Scott’s tenure as International Programs director. Scott was a great source of understanding. If ever a crisis arose, I could rely on not only his precise practical advice, but also his philosophical spirit of patience toward this crazy world we live in.
From Lisa Zwicker, Professor of History
Scott Sernau is a force for global education on our campus. He is a stalwart supporter of all things international. In my work as director of international programs, I have found his wise advice and creative ideas invaluable. His support for students, his kindness, and his flexibility make him a role model for all of us. Thank you Scott! This award is well-deserved.
From Christie Hansen, Alumna of the Costa Rica trip
I learned so much about other cultures and hope to travel again soon. My only regret is not doing more study abroad opportunities while I had the chance!
From Kathleen Sideli, Associate Vice President for Overseas Study
We nominated Scott Sernau for a Bicentennial Medal due to his longstanding leadership as the creator and director of the IUSB Costa Rica Sustainability Program. It proved to be a pioneering effort in the area of sustainability—which is now a more common topic among study abroad programs offered nationwide—and also jumpstarted other short-term IUSB international programs. Scott was also visionary in offering a course that had a campus-based course coupled with a travel component which is also now a common model for short-term programs across all IU campuses. Hundreds of students over the years have benefitted from his passion, energy and dedication. And his colleagues have equally benefitted from his mentorship and collegiality. We celebrate Scott for these efforts!
From Liz Georges, former student of Scott Sernau
Ah… Sociology… Costa Rica… Scott Sernau… where do I even begin? As an older adult learner, taking Dr. Sernau’s Sociology class was an incredible experience. Costa Rica aside, which of course was amazing, my favorite part of his class was how he encouraged us to not only be friends for our trip, but to form strong, lifelong bonds. From salsa dancing and group dinners, to BBQ’s and backyard pools, Scott has motivated us, cheered us on, and in some cases joined us in our endeavors and adventures years beyond taking his classes or being his students. And he was right about those bonds… all but one of my favorite college friends have come from that class, and we continue to encourage and motivate each other, just how Scott has shown us.
International Programs 