UNI Hosts Partners of the Americas Iowa–Yucatán Chapter
Cedar Falls, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa’s Office of International Engagement welcomed the Partners of the Americas Iowa–Yucatán Chapter this past Saturday, November 8th, 2025, for its annual meeting, marking a significant milestone as the partnership celebrates its 60th anniversary. The event brought together chapter members, university representatives, and community partners, while colleagues from Yucatán joined virtually, reaffirming the long-standing commitment to cooperation and friendship between Iowa and Yucatán.
The Iowa–Yucatán partnership, established in 1965, is one of the longest-running and most active collaborations within the Partners of the Americas network. Over the past six decades, the partnership has supported meaningful exchanges and joint initiatives in education, culture, public health, leadership development, and community engagement—strengthening people-to-people connections across borders.
During the meeting, Carolina Coronado-Park shared how UNI has strengthened its academic collaborations and partnerships with educational institutions in Yucatán since 2019 through the Partners of the Americas Innovation Fund grant. This award, given jointly to UNI and Universidad Marista de Mérida, supported the development of student mobility initiatives, language and cultural exchange programs, and collaborative learning in anthropology and community-engaged research.
During the program updates, Professor Fernando Herrera Calderón shared highlights from the faculty-Led Program to Yucatán that he has led over the past three years. Students in the program gain meaningful academic and cultural learning experiences through direct engagement with communities in the region. Ava Deitrich, Student Services Coordinator in the Office of International Engagement, also shared how her first study abroad experience in Yucatán sparked her passion for international learning and motivated her to support international students in her current role.
“We were honored to host this year’s gathering and to celebrate six decades of impactful work and friendship between Iowa and Yucatán. This partnership is built on shared values, collaboration, and a desire to learn from one another. It continues to enrich lives and broaden perspectives on both sides.”
Recognition of Leadership and Contributions
We take great pride in supporting Jeff Wilson in his leadership endeavors. As President of the Partners of the Americas Iowa–Yucatán Chapter, he has demonstrated remarkable vision and commitment. His efforts to enhance collaboration with the University of Northern Iowa, the Iowa Partner State program that is supported by the Iowa International Center, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority have been exemplary. These organizations are united by a shared mission to foster meaningful people-to-people partnerships, and Jeff’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing this important work.
Thank you to Patricia Grote, IIC CEO and President, for joining us in this celebration and actively supporting our goals of continuing to work together to strengthen our partnerships with Yucatan and our other 8 Iowa Partners States around the world.
A gathering and celebration between Yucatan and Iowa would not have been complete without the delightful flavors of Mexican cuisine. Special thanks to Restaurant Amigos for their exceptional catering and service, which played a key role in commemorating 60 years of citizen diplomacy between the Yucatan Peninsula and the cornfields of Iowa.
