From Sri Lanka to UNI: Gavik’s Story of Resilience
By Gavik Kuruppu, Technology Management and Graphic Technology
My name is Gavik Kuruppu, and throughout my time at the University of Northern Iowa, I’ve built my journey around curiosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to representing both my home culture and the communities I’ve become part of.
As an international student from Sri Lanka, I arrived on this campus alone but determined. Over the years, I’ve transformed that uncertainty into purpose, stepping into leadership roles, embracing opportunities across academics, service, cultural representation, and professional development. UNI became the place where I discovered not just who I was, but who I could become. I’ve had the privilege of becoming the first international ambassador for the Coca-Cola Campus Ambassador Program, and I’ve proudly held that position at UNI for nearly three years. This program allowed me to attend conferences and training sessions at the World of Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Experiences that brought me face-to-face with some of the most successful leaders in the Coca-Cola Company. It also opened the door to my current role with the Atlantic Bottling Company, where I plan to continue my career after graduation.
You can truly pave your own path at UNI and shape your journey around your passion.
Early Years At UNI
In my early years at UNI, I actually began as a Performance Theatre major alongside Business Administration, even though I am now graduating in Technology Management and Graphic Technology. I mention this to show that you can truly pave your own path at UNI and shape your journey around your passion.
During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in several executive and leadership positions. VP of External Relations for the Asian Student Union, VP of the Threehouse Campus Ministry Student Leaders, and a peer mentor for ISP. I’ve also had countless meaningful experiences: summer training in Atlanta, creating summer vlogs for ISP, working as a media assistant for the Applied Engineering Department, and contributing to the IOWA STEM project through the Panther Products Summer Initiative. I was fortunate to volunteer at the SETT Camp during the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as the Art Ignite Global Talent Program in 2024. Something small but meaningful to me was working part-time as a driver for the International Office. I wanted to give other international students the warm, reassuring welcome I wished I had felt when I first arrived.
I’ve been honored to receive recognition along the way, including nominations for multiple student leadership awards such as the LUX Award and Global Rising Star, and to my great pride, winning the Global Rising Star Award in 2024. In the summer of 2023, I was awarded the Coca-Cola Summer Training MVP Award, given to one standout ambassador among hundreds across Coca-Cola universities in the United States. Another chapter I cherish is my time with the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, where I helped lead our philanthropic efforts, raising over $15,000 to support local veterans, hospice care, and survivors of sexual assault.
In terms of cultural representation, I’ll be honest, being the only Sri Lankan student here when I first arrived was challenging. It often felt like a celebration of all cultures, except the gap where mine should be. Yet over the years, I had unforgettable opportunities to share my heritage, whether through small presentations or cookouts where I prepared food for nearly 50 people. Each moment filled me with pride and joy.
This is where I met the love of my life, Adele Kuruppu, now my wife, who graduated just one year before me. UNI also taught me some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about facing adversity. A quote that carried me through the final stretch of college was from John McEnroe: “Everybody loves success, but they hate successful people.” It helped me make sense of many things toward the end of my journey here.To those who choose UNI and are committed to reaching the top, and willing to put in the work, this place is for you.
When I reflect on my overall experience at UNI, I can summarize it in two words: 'life preparing'
UNI truly allows you to carve your own path to success.
UNI truly allows you to carve your own path to success.
Appreciation
Lastly, there are so many people I want to thank for their guidance and the lessons they’ve given me. But even more importantly, there are a few individuals who not only supported me but held me accountable and genuinely invested in my growth. To those people, I am forever indebted, you helped shape me into who I am today.
Before I end this, I must acknowledge the most important group in my life: my family. My extended family, who gave me a home when I needed one the most, have been a pillar of strength throughout this journey. And above all, Ammi (Mom), Thathi (Dad), and Aiya (Brother), when times were hard and I needed to keep going, you were my last line of strength. Thank you for being who you are and for giving me something meaningful to work toward: making you proud.