2026 Josephine Sitterle Failer Award

For nearly three decades, Julius Mayo ’93, ’95 MA, ’21 PhD has helped thousands of Ohio State students explore different cultures, gain new perspectives and grow as confident leaders.

In 1997, Mayo co-founded ResRules!, renamed MUNDO (Multicultural Understanding through Non-Traditional Discovery Opportunities) in 2000, a program that develops students’ leadership skills through educational travel, community service and conversations about society’s most pressing issues.

“MUNDO is built on the belief that some of the most meaningful learning happens outside the classroom,” says Mayo. Since its founding, MUNDO has helped more than 5,000 Buckeyes broaden their worldviews and become more engaged members of their communities through studies abroad and cultural enrichment experiences.

“My goal is to inspire people’s curiosity,” Mayo says. “Try new things, learn from mistakes, make connections and find the resources they need to be successful while helping others do the same.”

For Mayo, travel is a powerful teacher. He has led dozens of trips to places like New York, Los Angeles, Barcelona and Rome, where students immerse themselves in local communities, participate in service projects and talk with residents about key social issues like housing affordability and access to healthcare.

Mayo began developing his global perspective in graduate school when a mentor encouraged him to study in England. “I learned the world is way bigger than I ever imagined,” he says. “People have different traditions and ways of doing things, but there are so many similarities. One of my favorite things about traveling is having a meal with someone, talking about everyday life and then sharing my own experience.”

Watching students realize their potential has been Mayo’s greatest reward. “Shy students who once struggled to connect with others have stepped into leadership roles, guiding groups and organizing activities,” he says. “They discover abilities they never knew they had.”

His commitment to student success is personal. As a first-generation college student, Mayo relied on mentors who encouraged him during difficult times and reassured him that he belonged. He strives to pay that support forward. “Every student needs a person,” he says. “Someone who encourages them and helps them find their path.”

After 30 years of leadership, Mayo doesn’t plan to slow down. This fall, he’ll help launch ROUTES Unlimited, an evolution of MUNDO that will expand opportunities for participants to create meaningful change.

“We want to empower students to use the knowledge and skills gained through their campus living and learning experiences as a launchpad for becoming active, socially aware and resilient changemakers,” Mayo says.