At Grinnell College, students pursue passions that shape their academic careers and impact society. The S&B spoke to Olivia Wang `25 and Chikako Inoue `26, two recipients of the Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship, which supports Grinnell College international students as they explore the United States independently while delving into themes that drive their academic and personal […]
At Grinnell College, students pursue passions that shape their academic careers and impact society. The S&B spoke to Olivia Wang `25 and Chikako Inoue `26, two recipients of the Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship, which supports Grinnell College international students as they explore the United States independently while delving into themes that drive their academic and personal missions. Wang was awarded the fellowship in 2024 and completed her travel last year, while Inoue has yet to embark on their Fischlowitz adventure.
Surfing and (Sub)cultural Exchange
Wang’s journey explored a spectrum of surf spots, from iconic locations like Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Cocoa Beach to lesser-known destinations such as Sheboygan on Lake Michigan and the Gulf Coast near Tampa. Each site offered a distinct glimpse into the local surfing community. While some regions, like Florida and Wisconsin, presented challenging wave conditions, these hurdles only deepened her understanding.
“Even when the waves weren’t ideal, I found opportunities to learn and connect with the people around me,” Wang explained. This adaptive mindset allowed her to observe how geography and community values shape local surf cultures and the ethos of the sport overall.
“I wasn’t just chasing waves,” she said. “I was looking at how people connect to water, to land, and to each other.”
Photo contributed by Olivia Wang.
Beyond the act of surfing itself, Wang’s experience was shaped by her earlier volunteer work with a surf club in Guangdong, China. “The surf club I volunteered with in Guangdong had such a strong sense of purpose — not just surfing for fun, but educating people about the ocean,” she said. “That was where I first saw surfing as something communal and even political.”
These early impressions informed how she approached surf culture in the U.S., where she encountered both polished, image-driven scenes and more relaxed, grassroots communities. “California surf culture felt very polished — like everyone had the right gear, the right look. But places like Cocoa Beach felt more laid-back, more welcoming in a way.”
For Wang, surfing became a way to explore themes of identity, community, and freedom. “Surfing made me think a lot about freedom — how different places and people define it.”
Her travels showed her how the same passion — surfing — can be expressed through very different lived experiences, yet still function as a shared cultural language. In each place, she found a narrative of belonging: one shaped not only by waves, but by people, place, and purpose.
Intergenerational Healing Through Transnational Histories
While Olivia Wang’s travels are complete, Chikako Inoue `26 is just preparing for their own fellowship journey. Recently announced as the 2025 recipient of the Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship, Inoue, a Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies major from Saitama, Japan, will embark on their fellowship trip in Aug. 2025.
Inoue’s project centers on the history of “comfort women” — a term for the women and girls subjected to sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II. This topic is both a personal and academic focus for Inoue, and they plan to examine how the legacy of this trauma is commemorated within the Asian-American community, especially through statues of peace placed in U.S. cities.
These statues, found in areas with significant Asian-American populations, serve as memorials to the victims of wartime sexual violence. Inoue aims to explore how these memorials act as a form of healing, fostering solidarity and activism within affected communities.
Inoue was encouraged to apply for the fellowship by Ekta Shaikh `24, a fellow GWSS major and previous recipient of the award, who worked on similar gender-based issues.
“I was inspired by their work and saw the fellowship as a chance to deepen my own understanding of American culture, contribute to my community, and expand my network of scholars and activists,” Inoue noted.
As a Japanese student studying in the U.S., Inoue is uniquely positioned to engage with this issue from multiple perspectives — as a scholar, an activist and someone with personal connections to Japan’s wartime actions.
“This project is about acknowledging a painful history and working towards healing,” Inoue explained. “The memorials are not just about remembering the past but about creating spaces for dialogue and solidarity.”
Chikako Inoue poses for a photo in the HSSC on Thursday, Apr. 3 (Owen Barbato)
Inoue also plans to visit key sites, including Glendale, California, where one of the memorials stands, and other cities where similar statues are located. They aim to connect with residents involved in the commemoration and reparation efforts to better understand how public acts of remembrance can serve as tools for healing and social justice.
For future applicants, Inoue emphasized the importance of passion and purpose in the proposal. “This fellowship is a powerful tool for anyone looking to deepen their academic and activist work while engaging with diverse communities. My project is personal, and I believe that authenticity shines through in the application process.”
Inoue’s fellowship will also provide opportunities to connect with scholars and activists who are also addressing issues like colonialism, decolonization and the legacy of wartime sexual violence. “I want to bring the experiences of comfort women into broader conversations about colonialism, trauma and healing,” Inoue said.
The Fischlowitz Fellowship Selection Process
Emily Perry, assistant director of international student programs at Grinnell’s Office of International Student Affairs (OISA), oversees the logistics of the Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship. She described the process in a recent interview, noting that a selection committee reviews proposals and selects three finalists for interviews before choosing the final recipient.
The committee has five members — a representative each from the Office Development and Alumni Relations, global fellowships and awards and the Institute for Global Engagement, a rotating faculty member and the most recent recipient of the fellowship (Wang participated in the 2025 search committee.) Perry’s role is to manage the logistics while remaining neutral in the final decision-making process.
The selection committee evaluates applicants based on a rubric that considers the clarity of their theme, the feasibility of their travel plans and their overall maturity and adaptability. Perry emphasized the importance of seeing clear goals, realistic planning and the ability to engage with new experiences. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate openness to learning and flexibility in their travel plans, as the fellowship places a strong emphasis on independent exploration and personal growth.
The number of applications for the Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship has remained consistent despite concerns during the pandemic. “We’ve seen a steady number of applications each year, with students engaging deeply with the themes they propose,” Perry said.
While Inoue’s fellowship travel has not yet begun, they took an early step in preparation after being invited to attend the 25th anniversary of the Women’s International War Crimes Tribunal on March 13, 2025, at Cardozo School of Law in New York City. The event honored the legacy of the comfort women and the tribunal, marking its 25th anniversary and reflecting on its ongoing impact.
Brown Track and Field Signs Tyson Through Team Impact
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown track and field head coach Ken Hunt announced a new team member, signing 8-year-old Tyson through Team IMPACT. Tyson, who lives with a chronic gastrointestinal condition, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Tuesday at the Olney-Margolies Athletic Center. He will participate in many activities with the team including […]
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown track and field head coach Ken Hunt announced a new team member, signing 8-year-old Tyson through Team IMPACT.
Tyson, who lives with a chronic gastrointestinal condition, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Tuesday at the Olney-Margolies Athletic Center. He will participate in many activities with the team including meets, practices, and other team events.
“The Brown Track and Field team is lucky to have a new teammate like Tyson,” said sophomore middle distance runner Jake Haley. “He is what our team has been missing and is going to be the factor to take us to the next level!”
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
“Team IMPACT is excited to see Tyson officially join his team,” said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. “We are proud to work alongside Brown, their athletic department and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of our student leadership team and the whole track team on signing a new teammate,” said Brown throwing coach Darcy Wilson.
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT’s unique multi-year program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched over 2,600 children with 700 + college and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 65,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
VALLEY CITY, ND (NewsDakota.com) A Valley City club volleyball team, with a ton of local talent, has qualified for a national tournament. The Valley City-based South Central Selects volleyball club has advanced an 18-U to a national tournament after winning a qualifier in Montana against an international group of teams. The team, coached by Mardi […]
VALLEY CITY, ND (NewsDakota.com) A Valley City club volleyball team, with a ton of local talent, has qualified for a national tournament.
The Valley City-based South Central Selects volleyball club has advanced an 18-U to a national tournament after winning a qualifier in Montana against an international group of teams.
The team, coached by Mardi Scutchings, who led VCSU to their first national tournament appearance in 2023, finished 2-1 in pool play on May 3rd, but came back to win tight matches in the bracketed round, including a set that finished 32-30, to win the title.
Sunday, May 4th, the group defeated a Montana team in the gold bracket’s opening round, then survived a 32-30, 25-23 win over Team Empire from Minot, to advance to the championship. They faced SEAVC Rattlers Gold from southeast Alberta, and won the title match 25-16, 25-23.
Melissa Anderson, the coordinater for SC Selects volleyball, said, “The most impressive thing for me as a coach/director is the way the handled themselves on the court. They had to play through some tough calls from refs and refs who held them to a high standard of play but they not once were disrespectful to the refs or the other teams. They kept their emotions level and took care of business, playing with confidence in themselves and each other.”
The roster includes VCHS juniors Kadie Kocka and Kinlee Sufficool, as well as freshman Brynn Lueck, Medina/Pingree-Buchanan senior Brynn Sorenson and junior Shayla Martin, Grafton senior Molly Bjorneby, Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier senior Libby Mathern, Maple River senior Stella Satrom (Page, ND), and MPCG freshman Abby Sand.
The team has established a GoFundMe page for donations to cover travel costs to the national tournament. Please click this link if you would like to help.
Chiles, Florida High Fall in Beach Volleyball Regional Finals – Tallahassee Reports
On May. 6, both Florida High (11-5) and Chiles (16-2) competed in a beach volleyball regional final match in their respective classification. Chiles played in the FHSAA 2A region 1 final against Gulf Breeze (19-3) while Florida High played in the FHSAA 1A region 1 final against episcopal (17-5). Although both matches came […]
On May. 6, both Florida High (11-5) and Chiles (16-2) competed in a beach volleyball regional final match in their respective classification. Chiles played in the FHSAA 2A region 1 final against Gulf Breeze (19-3) while Florida High played in the FHSAA 1A region 1 final against episcopal (17-5). Although both matches came down to the wire, the beach volleyball season came to an end for both the Timberwolves and the Seminoles.
2A Region 1
Chiles and Gulf Breeze started the dual off by splitting the fourth and fifth positions with the Timberwolves winning the fours in a third set but losing the fives in a third set as well. Gulf Breeze’s second and third positions both won their matches in straight sets clinching the dual for the Dolphins and advancing them to the state semifinals. Chiles’ first position ended up winning the final match to make the final score 3-2.
1A Region 1
Florida High had the most success against Episcopal in the middle of the lineup forcing the second, third and fourth positions all to a third set. Although the Seminoles won the third position they lost every other position including the first and fifth positions in straight sets, losing the dual 4-1.
Conference Championships Up Next For Track and Field
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WAVERLY, Iowa- The Wartburg College outdoor track and field teams will compete at the American Rivers Conference Championships this weekend. Simpson will serve as the host. The women’s team are the defending conference champions. Follow the Knights
Live video
Live results
Meet schedule Admission:
Simpson will charge admission to the […]
WAVERLY, Iowa- The Wartburg College outdoor track and field teams will compete at the American Rivers Conference Championships this weekend. Simpson will serve as the host. The women’s team are the defending conference champions.
Follow the Knights
Live video
Live results
Meet schedule
Admission:
Simpson will charge admission to the tournament. Ticket prices will be $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for students without a valid A-R-C ID and seniors (60 and older). Children 5 and under, and all current students with valid A-R-C ID shall be admitted free.
Returning champions
Women: JoJo Tyynismaa is a two-time defending champion in the 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles. Haley Meyer is a defending champion in the 800m. Emma True is a defending champion in the hammer throw.
Men: Deyton Love is a three-time defending champion in the 100m hurdles and a two-time defending champion in the 400m hurdles. Jacob Green is a defending champion in the 5000m.
WPIAL clinched: Boys volleyball playoff qualifiers through May 6, 2025
WPIAL clinched: Boys volleyball playoff qualifiers through May 6, 2025 | Trib HSSN By: Don Rebel Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | 11:14 PM Christopher Horner | TribLive Gateway’s Thomas Nikou (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Plum on Tuesday. The 2025 WPIAL boys volleyball regular season has a few days left before the district […]
Matty Awards Honor CSUN Student-Athletes in Year-End Celebration
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WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – CSUN celebrated the best of Matador Athletics in 2024-25 on Monday night (May 5) as CSUN student-athletes and staff gathered at Pinstripes in Woodland Hills for the second annual Matty Awards and Senior Sash Ceremony. The Matty Awards, preceded by the annual Senior Sash Ceremony, opened with remarks from SAAC Co-Presidents Erica Adams and Jackie […]
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – CSUN celebrated the best of Matador Athletics in 2024-25 on Monday night (May 5) as CSUN student-athletes and staff gathered at Pinstripes in Woodland Hills for the second annual Matty Awards and Senior Sash Ceremony.
The Matty Awards, preceded by the annual Senior Sash Ceremony, opened with remarks from SAAC Co-Presidents Erica Adams and Jackie O’Neill. Acting Director of Athletics Mary Beth Walker then shared her thoughts before turning the podium over to CSUN President Erika D. Beck. Adams and O’Neill then returned to the stage and thanked members of the Athletics Department who have impacted their collective experience as CSUN student-athletes.
Each graduating student-athlete was then presented his/her CSUN Athletics sash for graduation by the Matador Achievement Center staff. The annual ceremony celebrated 80 senior and graduate student-athletes on Monday.
The evening then returned to the Matty Awards, an event that honors student-athletes in several informal categories, including Team Hype Man/Woman, Most Likely to be Late to the Team Bus, Team Comedian, Most Likely to Win the Squid Games, and Unsung Hero.
The awards were handed out by various Matador student-athlete emcees; Marin Byers (Water Polo), Kim Turgut (Women’s Golf), Lorenzo Bertozzi (Men’s Volleyball), Tasha Mae (Beach Volleyball), and Madison Shepperson (Tennis) as student-athletes in each sport were honored in five categories as voted upon by their fellow student-athletes.
Awards were also handed out by the CSUN Sports Performance Team (Iron Matador Award), CSUN Acting Director of Athletics Mary Beth Walker (Matador of the Year), and CSUN Deputy Director of Athletics Sonia Hahn (Champions Cup).
2025 MATTY AWARD WINNERS
Team Hype Man/Woman Award Winners
Baseball – Andrew Gauna
Softball – Gizella Vargas Sandoval
Beach Volleyball – Layla Cederlind
Men’s Volleyball – Braden Pool-Harris
Women’s Volleyball – Jan Marie Duhaylungsod
Men’s Soccer – Siddiq Lezzar
Women’s Soccer – Angelica Claiborne
Men’s Track & Field/XC – Ja’Patrick Smith
Women’s Track & Field/XC – Camryn Harris
Men’s Basketball – Festus Ndumanya
Women’s Basketball – Laini Dahlin
Men’s Golf – Bryson Barnes
Women’s Golf – Gracie Piar
Women’s Tennis – Jackie O’Neill
Water Polo – Marin Byars
Most Likely to be Late to the Team Bus Award Winners
