This year’s Global Focus Photo Contest winners capture images that span the globe. From Portugal to Slovenia, South Africa, Iraq and Ghana, Spartans demonstrate their keen eye and skill at illustrating poignant stories through photographs and imagery.  

First, second and third place winners were selected by a panel of judges for three audience categories: Students, Alumni and Faculty/Staff/Retiree, as well as Best Story Behind the Photo and Spartan Pride. People’s Choice voting was done virtually on the International Studies and Programs website. 

The annual photo competition encourages Spartans to share their experiences and perspectives from around the world.  

First place winners include “Castle in the Clouds: A Glimpse of Serenity,” taken in Sintra, Portugal by Syed Haider, professor of civil and environmental engineering; “Hyderabad, Hubub,” taken in Charminar, Hyderabad, India by Salil Sapre, a 2024 alumnus in the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations; and “The Beauty of Moher,” taken at the Cliffs of Moher in Doolin, Ireland by Aiden Tripp, a senior majoring in digital storytelling. For a complete list of place winners and to view winning photos, visit the ISP website, Instagram and Facebook. 

People’s Choice winners for each entrant category include “Fishing Boats at Dawn,” taken in Moiree, Ghana by Anne Stanton (Faculty/Staff/Retiree); “What You Are,” taken in Bhopal, India by Aagosh Chaudhary (Alumni); and “One Nation, Two States,” taken in Baku, Azerbaijan by Eleanor Pugh, IR ’27 (Student). 

All category winners’ photos will be professionally framed and displayed in the International Center. Global Spartan swag bags and gift certificates will also be awarded to category place winners.  

Additional awards were given to Sara Kani, a senior majoring in human biology in Lyman Briggs College, for Best Story Behind the Photo for the photo “Al-Mutanabbi,” taken in Baghdad, Iraq.  

The Spartan Pride award goes to “Jungle Oasis,” taken in Rio Chagras, Panama by JP Lawrence, an academic specialist in Lyman Briggs College. 

All winning photographs and select stories behind the photos will be featured on digital channels and marketing materials. Additional entries may be featured as well. To view this year’s Global Focus winners, follow ISP on Instagram, Facebook and visit International Studies and Programs. 

Banner image photo credit: “Castle in the Clouds: A Glimpse of Serenity,” by Syed Haider, professor in the College of Engineering, won first place in the Faculty/Staff/Retiree category for Global Focus 2024.