Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa co-hosted the fifth annual Every Campus A Refuge Gathering on Oct. 2-3 in Tulsa, bringing together approximately 215 participants from universities, refugee resettlement agencies and community organizations across the country.

The two-day event provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, exchange ideas and explore how higher education institutions can support refugees and displaced individuals.

Founded in 2015 by Dr. Diya Abdo, a professor at Guilford College in North Carolina, ECAR is a national initiative that encourages colleges and universities to become Resettlement Campuses, using their resources to provide housing and support for refugees as they transition into their new communities.

OSU joined ECAR in 2023 as part of its efforts to resettle 72 Afghans in Stillwater through a partnership with Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma. Through the university's Afghan Family Program, OSU provided temporary housing, English-language instruction, and comprehensive support services, while ECAR offered guidance and connections to other institutions that are navigating refugee resettlement.

Building on that relationship, OSU Global was honored to co-host this year's gathering. Dr. Emily Boersma, assistant director of International Students and Scholars at OSU, served on the planning committee. OSU's involvement included coordinating programming, speakers, fundraising and event logistics.

The gathering featured panel discussions, workshops and interactive sessions focused on refugee integration, community engagement and the role of higher education in supporting displaced individuals. Boersma moderated a panel titled "How to Utilize Local Initiatives: Supporting a Connected Multicultural Landscape," which explored the importance of local partnerships in creating welcoming communities.

Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and dean of OSU Global, also spoke at the gathering, reflecting on OSU's experience with the Afghan Family Program and the support ECAR provided throughout the resettlement process.

Kluver emphasized that universities are uniquely positioned to support refugee resettlement through their existing infrastructure, resources and community connections. He also discussed the economic contributions refugees can make to their new communities, noting that resettlement efforts are not only an act of service but also an investment in communities like Stillwater.

Terri Hollarn and Joani Whitley, who served as program coordinators for OSU's Afghan Family Program, also attended the gathering. The two led case management efforts supporting the 72 Afghans resettled in Stillwater, bringing firsthand experience in refugee resettlement to the event.

For Boersma, the gathering was an opportunity to connect with others from across the country who understand the challenges and rewards of refugee resettlement work.

"ECAR reminds us that we are not alone in this work, and that sense of belonging gives us the strength, encouragement and community to ensure that the refugees we welcome never feel alone either," Boersma said.

For more information about Every Campus A Refuge, visit everycampusarefuge.org.