October 2026

URochester Global Leadership Message

Global Connections: Advancing Global Engagement Through People and Partnerships
At the University of Rochester, the spirit of Meliora—Ever Better—drives us to look beyond borders, embrace diverse perspectives, and engage with the world in meaningful ways. Through international partnerships, research collaborations, education abroad, Fulbright programs, cultural exchanges, and the contributions of our international students and scholars, our community makes a lasting impact locally and globally.

This issue of Global Connections highlights the people, partnerships, and projects that reflect our commitment to global engagement and advance knowledge, innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity.

Partnerships Built on Shared Knowledge
Our approach to international partnerships and exchanges is grounded in equity, reciprocity, and the creation and exchange of knowledge. As Emnet Tadesse Woldegiorgis describes in University World News (September 16, 2026), this work creates a “shared space of inquiry” where institutions and communities learn from one another.

Our relationship with Hamamatsu, Japan, is one example of how academic collaboration and community engagement can strengthen international ties. Through the Rochester–Hamamatsu sister-city relationship, opportunities for educational, cultural, and research exchange bring together university and community partners.

Similarly, our partnership with Rennes, France, continues to grow through shared civic and academic connections. The inaugural Global Leadership Award, presented to the mayors of Rochester and Rennes, recognizes the importance of these international relationships.

Together, these collaborations create opportunities for students, faculty, researchers, and civic leaders to exchange ideas, build connections, and advance shared goals.

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Hamamatsu Delegation Visit Strengthens Rochester's Global Connections

Hamamatsu Delegation Visit Strengthens Rochester’s Global Connections
The University of Rochester welcomed representatives from Hamamatsu, Japan, October 7–11, 2026 as part of the ongoing sister-city relationship between Hamamatsu and Rochester. The delegation included Mayor Nakano and representatives from Hamamatsu City Hall and City Council, along with Dr. Miho Yamashita of Hamamatsu University School of Medicine (HUSM).

Building Connections Across Institutions
During their visit, the delegation met with Rochester city and URochester representatives and participated in cultural activities, exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration in education, medicine, cultural exchange, and regional development. Dr. Yamashita brought a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between HUSM and the University of Rochester, establishing a two-year framework to explore collaboration in education, research, and service. The partnership will focus on opportunities such as student and faculty exchange, joint research, and academic programming in areas including medicine, nursing, community health, bioethics, palliative care, and arts-based health outcomes. Dr. Yamashita also shared a letter from the HUSM president, and a video message, reinforcing the institutions’ commitment to continued collaboration.
The delegation had the opportunity to tour the Optics department within the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, along with the Emergency Medicine Department at Strong Hospital and the School of Medicine & Dentistry. These visits provided an opportunity to learn more about the University of Rochester’s strengths in optics, engineering, medical education, and emergency care, while exploring areas of shared interest and potential future collaboration.

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URochester will be hosting multiple events across all campuses throughout the month of November to celebrate international education week. These are open to all students, faculty, and staff. The goal of these events is to:

  • Celebrate the benefits of international education
  • Highlight intercultural awareness
  • Support the integration of our domestic and international student bodies
  • Promote the internationalization of the URochester community​​​​​
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International Partnerships and Agreements

Each month, the international partnerships team will highlight a partnership agreement facilitated by the Office for Global Engagement, the Center for Education Abroad, and/or a University of Rochester academic unit. These global partnerships strengthen collaboration, support innovation, and create valuable opportunities for faculty and students.

Pathway Opens New Opportunities in Argentina
In April 2026, URochester finalized a new partnership with Universidad del CEMA (UCEMA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, establishing the URochester/UCEMA Business Pathways Program. As one of URochester's first international 4+1 pathway agreements in several years, the collaboration creates an exciting new route for talented students in Argentina to continue their academic journey at URochester. 
Supported by the Simon Business School, the pathway allows eligible UCEMA students to transition from their undergraduate studies in Argentina into select Simon master's programs, creating a clear and accessible pathway to graduate education in the United States. The partnership strengthens URochester's presence in Argentina while opening doors for students seeking an international academic and professional experience. 
We are particularly excited about the momentum this agreement represents. The UCEMA pathway reflects a growing interest in innovative international partnerships that connect students with new opportunities across borders. As we look ahead, we hope to build on this success by expanding similar pathways with institutions around the world, creating even more opportunities for students to pursue their academic and professional goals through URochester.
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Monthly Observances

Each month, the Office for Global Engagement will highlight holidays observed around the world, fostering greater awareness of celebrations across cultures and communities.

October 2 – International Day of Nonviolence
October 2 – Sukkot ends (Jewish)
October 2-3 – Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
October 2-3 – Simchat Torah (Jewish)
October 10 – World Mental Health Day
October 11-20 – Sharad Navratri (Hindu)
October 11 – National Coming Out Day (LGBTQ+)
October 12 – National Indigenous Peoples' Day (United States)
October 12 – Thanksgiving Day (Canada)
October 15 – Spirit Day (LGBTQ+ anti-bullying)
October 16 – Bosses' Day
October 20 – Dussehra (Hindu)
October 22 – International Stuttering Awareness Day
October 26 – Intersex Awareness Day
October 31 – Halloween
October 31 – Samhain (Wicca/Paganism)


Find URochester Global Offices

Staff are available to support students, scholars, faculty, and partners with international education, global programming, immigration services, and study abroad opportunities in the Center for Education Abroad, the International Services Office, and the Office for Global Engagement.
 
URochester Global Offices

Stay Connected with URochester Global

Interested in being featured or suggesting a story? Contact us at: global@rochester.edu.