On Wednesday, April 3, the 2013 International Awards Ceremony was held where Dr. Mohamed H. Elnabtity and Dr. Adbalmajid M. Katranji won the Glen L. Taggart Award for Community Contribution to International Understanding.

Dr. Mohamed H. Elnabtity grew up in Detroit, Michigan. After graduation from Wayne State University School of Medicine, a fascination with neuroanatomy and his desire for hands-on, active involvement in patient care led to a specialty in neurosurgery. He is now a successful neurosurgeon as well as a distinguish assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at Michigan State University.

Dr. Abdalmajid M. Katranji graduated from University of Michigan in 1995 and later obtained a Ph.D. in 1999 from the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University. He owns the Katranji Hand Center and has served as a clinical assistant professor at Michigan State University since 2005. 

Both award winners are outstanding leaders who have made a distinct and sustained contribution to the promotion of international understanding, goodwill, and friendship. In 2010, both doctors took the lead to establish the Muslim Benefactors of Muslim Studies Endowment Fund at MSU. While the endowment provides important financial support for the Muslim Studies Center, it also serves to advance the relationships between Muslim communities at large and Michigan State University. Drs. Elnabtity and Katranji are committed to helping MSU strengthen a field of study which is concerned with the big questions facing Muslim societies world-wide and at home.

Additionally, the influence of both men extends to K-12 education. Together they are providing leadership for the Association of Michigan Muslim Physicians; supporting educational film screenings on campus and sponsoring community gatherings to promote peace and understanding between people of diverse faiths. Dr. Elnabtity enjoys tutoring and mentoring inner-city youth and volunteered at inner-city health clinics in Detroit. Dr. Katranji is best known for his work to advance the mission of the Islamic Center of East Lansing.

Both awardees have had a significant impact on education and have generously contributed to the public good in Michigan and beyond. The award to Drs. Elnabtity and Katranji acknowledges the continued importance of inter-faith dialogue and the opportunities to make a difference at the local, state and national level. We are thankful for their leadership.