God jul! Wishing you bright holiday greetings from the UW Swedish Studies program!
Once again, Professors Lauren Poyer and Kim Kraft organized a fabulous summer study abroad program in Stockholm, Uppsala, and Helsinki called, "Art and Activism in the Nordic Region". Offered jointly with the Honors Program, the trip provided a group of seventeen UW students pursuing a variety of majors with experiential learning opportunities that revolved around activism and creative expression. Students participated in seminars on Swedish and Finnish language and culture; and visited museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions. Thinking back on the hits that higher education has endured in 2025 and bracing for the year to come, I am inspired by one student’s reflection about her summer. Mary H. wrote, “This program has taught me that the most profound learning happens not only in classrooms or museums but in the spaces between: in conversations with strangers, in quiet moments of reflection, in small conversations with artists, and in learning to remain vulnerable to new experiences even when uncomfortable.” I dream of living in a society where the lifelong, profound learning that Mary describes is cherished and accessible for all. I know the university plays an important part in making this dream a reality.
Your continued financial support helps UW programs like Swedish Studies to provide critical frameworks for student exploration, reflection, and growth. Thank you for your generosity. Stort tack!
May your holidays and new year be peaceful.
Med varma vinterhälsningar,
Amanda Doxtater
Associate Professor and Barbro Osher Endowed Chair of Swedish Studies