The University of Michigan International Institute (II) announces the winners of the 2024 II Photo Contest, which drew about 60 submissions from U-M students across the university who were affiliated with the International Institute or its centers and programs, either through funding or study. Each entry reflected the creativity, insight, and global engagement of Michigan students, capturing experiences from around the world.
Students submitted their photos in three themed categories: Go Blue!, The World Is a Classroom, and U-M Vision 2034. Cash prizes were awarded to top entries in each category: $500 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place. Two honorable mentions were also selected, and one photo received the title of Overall Best Photo.
Go Blue!
- Winner: Maize and Blue in Muizenberg, too! by Jessica Yost
- Runner-up: Maize & Blue of the Silk Road by Justin Weaver
- 3rd Place: Maize and Blue (Hour) by Molly Mittelbach
The World is a Classroom
- Winner and Overall Best Photo: Between Petals and Profits by Jun Zhou
- Runner-up: Monsoon Rhythms: A Glimpse of Sri Lanka in Transition by Yixin Zhang
- 3rd Place: Tidal Hope by Qingyi Zeng
U-M Vision 2034
- Winner: Delta Market by Emma Willoughby
- Runner-up: Fire mitigation in rural Oaxaca, Mexico by Soren Frykholm
- 3rd place: Evening at the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart by Molly Mittelbach
Honorable Mentions
- Walking Through Literary Legacy at Trinity College by Allison Tate
- Peering into the future by Olivia Vought
The winners were celebrated at an award ceremony and reception on January 15, 2025, in the International Institute Gallery (5th floor, Weiser Hall). All contest submissions were featured in the gallery exhibition, which remained on view throughout January.
A team of faculty and staff served as judges, with special guest judge Joseph Sywenkyj, award-winning photojournalist, Knight-Wallace Fellow, and Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia Distinguished Fellow, lending his expertise in visual storytelling.
All submitted images are available to view on the II’s Flickr page, offering a virtual gallery for those unable to visit in person.
