Building Bridges Worldwide.
Connecting Iowans to the world community
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CONNECTING TO THE WORLD COMMUNITY
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Leaving a Mark
Cherkasy, Ukraine Fundraiser
Your generosity will make a difference and have an enormous impact in the lives of people in Ukraine. You donation will help bring socks, gloves, stocking hats, sleeping bags, and first aid kits to the people specifically in Cherkasy, Ukraine. We have guaranteed the donations will only go to Cherkasy and not other places in Ukraine. Cherkasy has been our Sister State of Iowa since 1996 and we'd like to continue showing our support during these trying times.
Your generosity will make a difference and have an enormous impact in the lives of people in Ukraine. You donation will help bring socks, gloves, stocking hats, sleeping bags, and first aid kits to the people specifically in Cherkasy, Ukraine. We have guaranteed the donations will only go to Cherkasy and not other places in Ukraine. Cherkasy has been our Sister State of Iowa since 1996 and we'd like to continue showing our support during these trying times.
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Jeff Zimpleman: Iowa Sister States ScholarshipWe have opportunities available for students from each of our nine partner states.. Additionally, we provide the Jeff Zimpleman-Iowa Sister States Scholarship for students studying in Iowa interested in studying abroad in one of our nine sister states. |
Scholarship for Iowa Students!
Iowa Sister States is honored to continue offering the Jeff Zimpleman Scholarship to Iowa students studying abroad to one of our 9 sister states!
The most recent recipient of the Zimpleman Scholarship is Leigh Carlson, a student at Drake University who is currently an intern for the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo. Read Leigh’s account below to learn more about her opportunity to intern abroad!
“I was introduced to Iowa Sister States during my internship with the Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo in Des Moines. Understanding the Iowa Sister State’s mission to bring cross-cultural connections–even during the time of the pandemic–deeply resonated with me. Their mission enhances friendship, tolerance, and pride within our communities. Iowa Sister States encouraged me to explore the possibility of the Jeff Zimpleman Scholarship.
Not too long before summer 2021 began I was granted the opportunity to work as an unpaid intern for the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo! How exciting! I would get the opportunity to finally see Kosovo, and to further learn about how international firms operate. There was, however, uncertainty with expenses. I applied to the Jeff Zimpleman Scholarship, and thanks to their generosity, I am having an experience that will impact me for the remainder of my life. I am deeply grateful for the Zimpleman's gift, and for Iowa Sister States for being the liaison to connect myself and many other Iowa scholars with this opportunity.
Thanks to Iowa Sister States and the Zimpleman family I have enjoyed living in the heart of Kosovo's capital, Pristina! I have had the opportunity to visit nearby areas also, I am hoping to visit each sister city. Through this experience I have gained a wealth of knowledge both in and out of the office, as well as many friends. I highly encourage any Iowan scholar who is going to explore our great sister states to investigate this scholarship. Ultimately, may this serve as a reminder that we, Iowans, have some lovely, generous people among us that work to bring the world to our fingertips. Thank you!”
The most recent recipient of the Zimpleman Scholarship is Leigh Carlson, a student at Drake University who is currently an intern for the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo. Read Leigh’s account below to learn more about her opportunity to intern abroad!
“I was introduced to Iowa Sister States during my internship with the Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo in Des Moines. Understanding the Iowa Sister State’s mission to bring cross-cultural connections–even during the time of the pandemic–deeply resonated with me. Their mission enhances friendship, tolerance, and pride within our communities. Iowa Sister States encouraged me to explore the possibility of the Jeff Zimpleman Scholarship.
Not too long before summer 2021 began I was granted the opportunity to work as an unpaid intern for the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo! How exciting! I would get the opportunity to finally see Kosovo, and to further learn about how international firms operate. There was, however, uncertainty with expenses. I applied to the Jeff Zimpleman Scholarship, and thanks to their generosity, I am having an experience that will impact me for the remainder of my life. I am deeply grateful for the Zimpleman's gift, and for Iowa Sister States for being the liaison to connect myself and many other Iowa scholars with this opportunity.
Thanks to Iowa Sister States and the Zimpleman family I have enjoyed living in the heart of Kosovo's capital, Pristina! I have had the opportunity to visit nearby areas also, I am hoping to visit each sister city. Through this experience I have gained a wealth of knowledge both in and out of the office, as well as many friends. I highly encourage any Iowan scholar who is going to explore our great sister states to investigate this scholarship. Ultimately, may this serve as a reminder that we, Iowans, have some lovely, generous people among us that work to bring the world to our fingertips. Thank you!”
About Jeff Zimpleman
Jeff Zimpleman was born and raised in Iowa. He grew up in Clive and graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines. He went on to attend Dartmouth College, where he earned a degree in chemistry, did graduate work at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, and received an MBA from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Throughout his life, Jeff loved to travel and valued the opportunities to learn that it provided. He traveled widely and often, and in his 36 years he visited 30 countries; studied business in Spain; saw 6 of the 7 continents; and ventured above the Arctic Circle. Traveling always provided chances to meet new people and experience new cultures, whether in the classroom or out, and he relished these opportunities.
Iowa Sister States is proud to partner with the family of Jeff Zimpleman in the creation of this scholarship.
Jeff’s love of exploring new places and his understanding of the importance of nurturing international relationships resonates with the very essence of Iowa Sister States’ organizational vision which is to, “…be a leader in integrating Iowans with the world community.” Iowan Jeff Zimpleman, a citizen diplomat, did just that: he integrated himself into the world community. With this scholarship we offer you the same opportunity.
The Board of Directors, volunteers and staff of Iowa Sister States, as well as the Zimpleman family, invite you to apply for the Jeff Zimpleman-Iowa Sister States Scholarship. Use this opportunity to do great things!
Applicants must complete the full application. The selection committee will review all applications. There may be need for follow up questions. Scholarships to be awarded on a rolling basis.
The application and information document are available below, OR you can contact Iowa Sister States and have it sent directly to us at info@iowasisterstates.org.
Throughout his life, Jeff loved to travel and valued the opportunities to learn that it provided. He traveled widely and often, and in his 36 years he visited 30 countries; studied business in Spain; saw 6 of the 7 continents; and ventured above the Arctic Circle. Traveling always provided chances to meet new people and experience new cultures, whether in the classroom or out, and he relished these opportunities.
Iowa Sister States is proud to partner with the family of Jeff Zimpleman in the creation of this scholarship.
Jeff’s love of exploring new places and his understanding of the importance of nurturing international relationships resonates with the very essence of Iowa Sister States’ organizational vision which is to, “…be a leader in integrating Iowans with the world community.” Iowan Jeff Zimpleman, a citizen diplomat, did just that: he integrated himself into the world community. With this scholarship we offer you the same opportunity.
The Board of Directors, volunteers and staff of Iowa Sister States, as well as the Zimpleman family, invite you to apply for the Jeff Zimpleman-Iowa Sister States Scholarship. Use this opportunity to do great things!
Applicants must complete the full application. The selection committee will review all applications. There may be need for follow up questions. Scholarships to be awarded on a rolling basis.
The application and information document are available below, OR you can contact Iowa Sister States and have it sent directly to us at info@iowasisterstates.org.
Recent Award Recipient of the Jeff Zimpleman -- Iowa Sister States Scholarship:
Madeline Gude
Simpson College
Spanish and Music major will attend the Institute for Modern Spanish in Merida, Mexico for four weeks this summer.
She received $1,500 from the Zimpleman Scholarship to cover her expenses above the tuition costs.
Madeline Gude
Simpson College
Spanish and Music major will attend the Institute for Modern Spanish in Merida, Mexico for four weeks this summer.
She received $1,500 from the Zimpleman Scholarship to cover her expenses above the tuition costs.
LEARN WHO WE ARE
Meet Our Administration TeamIowa Sister States is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization based in Des Moines, Iowa. We strive to build sustainable international partnerships that connect Iowans to the world community. |
 | Karla Weilbrenner McCollum
Executive Director of ISS |
 | Nick Shaffer
Finance Intern |
SUSTAINING POWERFUL ALLIANCES
Sister States Spotlight
In 1959, a typhoon devastated Yamanashi Prefecture. In response, Iowa sent 35 breeding hogs and 100,000 bushels of corn to help with the recovery – an event that is famously known today as the Iowa Hog Lift. (Further information about the Iowa/Yamanashi Hog Lift can be found in this 1988 account by Michael E. Delaney.)
Yamanashi and Iowa would become Sister States in 1960 by a formal agreement, signed between Governor Norman Erbe of Iowa and Governor Hisashi Amano of Yamanashi. This agreement marked Iowa's very first Sister State relationship.
The people of Yamanashi and Iowa continue to grow and nurture this relationship. Over the years there have been exchanges in students, nursing, agriculture, young professionals and even bacon! The list of exchanges is endless and it continues to grow.
In 1959, a typhoon devastated Yamanashi Prefecture. In response, Iowa sent 35 breeding hogs and 100,000 bushels of corn to help with the recovery – an event that is famously known today as the Iowa Hog Lift. (Further information about the Iowa/Yamanashi Hog Lift can be found in this 1988 account by Michael E. Delaney.)
Yamanashi and Iowa would become Sister States in 1960 by a formal agreement, signed between Governor Norman Erbe of Iowa and Governor Hisashi Amano of Yamanashi. This agreement marked Iowa's very first Sister State relationship.
The people of Yamanashi and Iowa continue to grow and nurture this relationship. Over the years there have been exchanges in students, nursing, agriculture, young professionals and even bacon! The list of exchanges is endless and it continues to grow.
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| Cindy HicksCOUNTRY COMMITTEE CHAIR
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The Veneto Region of Italy entered into a sister state relationship with the state of Iowa through an official agreement signed by Governor Terry Branstad and Assessore Pierluigi Bolla in December of 1997.
The Veneto Region is located in northeast Italy and extends from the Adriatic Sea to the Dolomites. This relationship has resulted in a variety of exchanges over the years.
Veneto exchanges have included food, sports, art, students and so much more!
The Veneto Region of Italy entered into a sister state relationship with the state of Iowa through an official agreement signed by Governor Terry Branstad and Assessore Pierluigi Bolla in December of 1997.
The Veneto Region is located in northeast Italy and extends from the Adriatic Sea to the Dolomites. This relationship has resulted in a variety of exchanges over the years.
Veneto exchanges have included food, sports, art, students and so much more!
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| Andrea BaruttaCOUNTRY COMMITTEE CHAIR
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Kosovo is Iowa’s newest sister state. Former Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, signed the agreement in 2013 with Kosovo’s President Atifete Jahjaga.
The relationship blossomed out of the State Partnership Program established between the Iowa National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force. Adjutant Major General Timothy Orr played a key role in promoting the partnership to sister state status.
Three cities in Kosovo have established sister city relationships with cities in Iowa. The city of Peja entered into a sister city relationship with Johnston, Iowa in 2013. In 2016, Fort Dodge signed a sister city agreement with Gjakova in Kosovo. The City of Vushtrri recently entered into a sister city relationship with Norwalk, Iowa. There are also a few other cities in Iowa that are in the process of becoming sister cities.
The activity between Iowa and Kosovo is so robust that the Republic of Kosovo opened its first US Consulate in Des Moines in February of 2016. This was also the first foreign consulate for the State of Iowa.
Kosovo is Iowa’s newest sister state. Former Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, signed the agreement in 2013 with Kosovo’s President Atifete Jahjaga.
The relationship blossomed out of the State Partnership Program established between the Iowa National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force. Adjutant Major General Timothy Orr played a key role in promoting the partnership to sister state status.
Three cities in Kosovo have established sister city relationships with cities in Iowa. The city of Peja entered into a sister city relationship with Johnston, Iowa in 2013. In 2016, Fort Dodge signed a sister city agreement with Gjakova in Kosovo. The City of Vushtrri recently entered into a sister city relationship with Norwalk, Iowa. There are also a few other cities in Iowa that are in the process of becoming sister cities.
The activity between Iowa and Kosovo is so robust that the Republic of Kosovo opened its first US Consulate in Des Moines in February of 2016. This was also the first foreign consulate for the State of Iowa.
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| Todd JacobusCOUNTRY COMMITTEE CHAIR
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In 1983, Governor Terry Branstad of Iowa and Governor Zhang Shuguang of Hebei signed an agreement formalizing the relationship. Many exchanges have taken place over the years, including the famous Xi trip to Iowa that took place in 1985. In 2012, a then-Vice President Xi traveled again to Iowa to meet his “Old Friends", writing this letter commemorating the occasion. A well-known outcome of this 1985 visit is the placement of Iowa’s former Governor, Terry Branstad, to the post of US Ambassador to China.
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| Dr. Will ZhangCOUNTRY COMMITTEE CHAIR
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