Gerry and Jan Droegkamp:
Greater World Understanding
"It Changed Her Life"
Travel abroad changed her life, says Jan Droegkamp, UIS professor for 22 years. And changing her own life turned out to be just the beginning.
Droegkamp, who got her doctorate in International Education, has spent considerable time exploring other cultures. Among her many experiences: Five years in Jamaica and the southern African country of Lesotho as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Knowing that travel abroad can promote world understanding, in 1999 Droegkamp helped to pioneer UIS’ Global Experience Program. Now Droegkamp and her family have created a scholarship to help enable UIS students to take part in that program.
“My family witnessed my years as a Peace Corps volunteer,” says Droegkamp. “They understand what a life-changing experience that was for me.”
Through the scholarship, the family will pass that life-changing experience on to students at UIS.
A Family Tradition
Droegkamp’s family has had frequent global experiences of their own.
- Besides her time in the Peace Corps, Droegkamp has spent time in well over two dozen countries.
- Jan’s mother, Gerry Droegkamp, traveled to Italy, Jamaica, and Kenya.
- And Droegkamp’s sister, Jane Lurvey, has lived and traveled in Italy for a year and a half and was both a high school foreign exchange advisor and host for exchange students.
- Following in their mother’s footsteps, Lurvey’s daughters have spent time in Italy, Ireland, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Guatemala, France and Mexico.
Jan’s father, Harold Droegkamp, who has stayed home in Delafield, Wisconsin, has found great pleasure in supporting his wife and daughters’ many adventures around the globe.
More Than Tourists
The family’s global interests extend beyond travel. During Gerry’s time as a middle school teacher, she spent years raising funds to send books, supplies, and cash to support a rural middle school in Kenya. As a result of Gerry’s efforts, the school developed into a beautiful place complete with running water, windows, tables, books, and supplies.
Gerry and the family are honored to be able to endow a UIS scholarship funding service learning abroad.
“The more we know about different cultures, the smaller the world will become,” Gerry said. “We all join in the hope of people for people of all nations.”
For information on how you can help students see the world, contact the UIS Global Experience Program. You can also contact our office or read about the program as a giving opportunity.
