Skip navigation
Regent University is a Christian Institution Offering Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral Degrees Located in Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Photo Contest Captures International Education

Two Regent University students clicked their cameras and then were congratulated with cash in a competition to photograph an international education experience.

The Virginia Tidewater Consortium, which represents 13 higher education institutions in southeastern Virginia, recognized International Education Week on Thursday, Nov. 20 with its annual photography contest. This year, Regent welcomed the consortium to its campus to showcase student talent.

Students shot, selected and submitted photographs that depicted a theme of “international education is for everyone.” A panel of five judges from Regent scored the entries on theme, creativity, aesthetics, persuasion and relevance. Taking first place and $300 was Virginia Wesleyan College’s Marta Deptula. Regent’s Brinda Patel ’15 (College of Arts & Sciences), earned second place with her “International Education is Everywhere” photo of New York City.

“This picture was taken two Decembers ago. I did my studies in New York and then I moved here. It shows one of my international trips, going to the Brooklyn Bridge,” said Patel.

Judges considered nearly 90 submissions. This year they added an honorary “Peoples’ Choice” category where Facebook fans voted for their favorite photo on social media. Regent’s Kaylee Burns ’16 (School of Psychology and Counseling) took home this recognition with her “International Education: Pathway from Poverty.” Award winners unveiled their creations in Regent’s Student Center and are still available to view on Facebook.

The goal of the contest is to promote studying abroad, a topic close to the heart of Regent University’s registrar, Erica LeMelle. She hopes the contest will motivate students to study internationally and that the consortium may pave the way for students to embark on a study abroad journey.

“I work with undergrad students who are looking for study abroad opportunities,” said LeMelle, “Working with the consortium this week, we learned about so many resources that are available to our students in this region. It’s important for students to connect with other students and schools during this event. We emphasize global education at Regent, and awareness of other people outside of our own culture is great for our mission.”

Regent also celebrated International Education Week (Nov. 17 – 21) with trivia, food and student videos.