Congratulations to the Class of 2026! As the spring semester draws to a close, the International Division is proud to celebrate a cohort of graduates who have truly embraced the spirit of global engagement. Among those graduates, three are affiliated with European Studies!
These students represent a wide array of our international community—including the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program, the International Student Services Advisory Board (ISSAB), the King-Morgridge Scholars Program (KMScholars), and several area study centers within the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS). Below, we highlight our Europeanist graduates whose outstanding achievements and global perspectives have left a lasting impact on the UW–Madison campus and beyond.
Andrea Lamarche
Degree: Master of International Public Affairs (MIPA)
Department: La Follette School of Public Affairs
Experience as a Project Assistant in European Studies: “When I first arrived at UW–Madison, having always lived in France, I was nervous about fitting in. But I was immediately welcomed by an amazing community of international and domestic students, and a position in European Studies that allowed me to keep ties with my home region. Saying yes to every conversation and opportunity became my greatest strength.”
Member of the International Student Services Advisory Board (ISSAB): “I had joined ISSAB to advocate for my international peers, and Madison now feels like home. This city and this campus taught me that confidence is built by doing, and I am immensely grateful for the unique opportunities I was given to do so.”
Future plans: Pursuing policy positions in the nonprofit sector at the intersection of evidence-based research, civic engagement, and advocacy.
Ethan vanderWilden
Degree: PhD in political science
Received an RA fellowship funded through the UW Center for German & European Studies (CGES-DAAD): “The fellowship was extremely helpful to me because it freed up my time during my third year of the PhD. Support from the fellowship ensured that my full focus could go to my dissertation and other research projects. Without this time and focus, getting these projects off the ground would have been significantly harder/slower.”
Experience with European Studies: “European Studies has been an excellent resource throughout graduate school. Beyond the fellowship and grant opportunities that the center provided, I was able to engage in and participate in multiple events sponsored through the European Studies center that offered a chance to meet excellent scholars from around the world, learn new things, and seek feedback on my own work.”
Future plans: Assistant Professor of Political Science starting next fall at University of Utah
The graduates featured here are just a few examples of the talent and dedication found within the International Division. Whether they are moving on to global careers, further research, or community-led initiatives, we congratulate all of our spring 2026 graduates and look forward to the impact they will make as Badger alumni.
Hailey Shevitz
Degree: BA in international studies
Certificates: Leadership, French, European Studies, and Global Cultures Languages & Education
Awards and honors: Wolff Fellowship finalist, Richard Ralph Winter Phoenix Rising Humanitarian Scholarship, Germaine Mercier Scholarship, Hugh A. Smith Scholarship, Earl D. Johnson Endowed Scholarship, Phi Beta Kappa
Experience as a WISc Scholar: “WISc truly changed my life! By providing me with an enriching community in Madison and funding for two study abroad internship programs, WISc has challenged my perspectives, built my confidence, and guided my path forward towards a career working with refugees. Not only have I developed strong leadership and language skills, but I’ve become more aware of the importance of uplifting local knowledge, asking questions, and listening to others. “
Future plans: “I am hoping to continue working with refugees, right now I am at the International Rescue Committee in the D.C. area (Wisconsin in Washington Program)”
Extract of the piece by Kayla Daum, published on the International Division website.