EAST LANSING, Mich. – On April 3, at its International Award ceremony, the Office of International Studies and Programs (ISP) celebrated the staff, students and community members for their efforts to foster international understanding.

Held at the Huntington Club in Spartan Stadium, International Studies and Programs presented 16 members of the Spartan community with awards that have been established to honor several Michigan State University leaders in the areas of international research, teaching and engagement.

The pool of nominees and winners demonstrate an extraordinary capacity at Michigan State for international research education and engagement, said Jeffrey Riedinger, dean of ISP.

For example, Brenda Sternquist, professor in the Department of Marketing at the Eli Broad College of Business, is the winner of the 2013 Ralph Smuckler Award. The award, named in honor of a former ISP dean, is bestowed upon a senior faculty member who has had a lasting impact on international scholarship, teaching and public services.

Sternquist is receiving the award in recognition of her exceptional work to advance international research on retail marketing with her colleagues in China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Western Europe, Central Europe and Mexico for more than 30 years.

"I am proud to present this year's award winners," Riedinger said. "It is the exceptional efforts of people like these nominees and recipients that forge cross-cultural understanding and make communities like East Lansing a place of learning and innovation that can transform the lives of people around the world."

Sternquist will join 15 other honorees, including MSU faculty members, students, staff, alumni and community members.

Other individual award recipients:

• Mohammad V. Ali (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1185) is the recipient of the Gill Chin Lim Award for OutstandingDoctoral Dissertation in Global Studies. Mohammad Ali’s thesis offers insights to the “terrorist” label as it is applied in Pakistan and used in the development of policy and international relations – especially in the Global War on Terrorism.
• Rebecca A. Malouin (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1186) is the recipient of the John Hudzik Emerging Leader Award for Advancing International Studies and Programs. Rebecca's research applies to the needs of Malawi’s health system and she has created partnerships with many health professionals in Asia and Africa with the dedication to primary care and international health, commitment to build global collaborations.
• Marie-Christine Koop (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1187) received the Joon S. Moon Distinguished International Alumni Award. Marie-Christine has earned a doctoral degree in French in the College of Arts and Letters. She is being recognized for promoting international understanding and exchange with a special interest in contemporary French society and culture, driven by her focus on social issues in France.
• Folke B. Lindahl (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1188) received the MSU Award for Outstanding Service to Study Abroad. Lindahl is a professor of Political Science in James Madison College and is noted for pioneering and leading the James Madison Caribbean Program for more than 20 years and influencing students through his profound knowledge and understanding of Political Science.
• Phil Gardner and Linda Gross (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1189) received the MSU Award for Outstanding Service to Study Abroad. Phillip and Linda, together have contributed to students’ global, personal and professional development through a program that promotes student reflection of study abroad experiences. This has not only helped to train other professionals in the field but has also enhanced MSU’s reputation as a leader in study abroad.
• Dr. Mohamed H. Elnabtity and Dr. Abdalmajid M. Katranji (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1190) are the recipients of the Glen L. Taggart Award for Community Contribution to International Understanding. Dr. Elnabtity, a successful neurosurgeon and Dr. Katranji, the owner of Katranji Hand Center, both helped to establish the Muslim Studies Endowment Fund at MSU, which is advancing the relationships between Muslim communities at large and MSU.
• Frank A.Fear (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1191) is the recipient of the Charles A. Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy. Frank, the senior associate dean emeritus for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has focused on participatory community engagement and has built relationships and meaningful partnerships around the world that contribute to the important networks that feed MSU’s international engagement and reputation.
• Colleen A. Hammond (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1192) received Special Recognition for Promoting International Understanding. Colleen is recognized for her contribution to MSU’s Malawi programs in Malawi. Her expertise has established the MRI facility that is changing the lives of children.
• John Schwille (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1193) received Special Recognition for Promoting International Understanding. John, a professor and assistant dean for international studies in education is awarded for being an influential leader in international research and education for 50 years. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and ability to bring out the best in people by encouraging engagement in important and challenging projects across Burundi, Guinea and Tanzania, and now co-directing the 17-nation TEDS-M teacher education in mathematics.
• The Homer Higbee International Education Awards were also presented at the ceremony. These awards are presented annually to students and a member of Community Volunteers for International Programs for acts of service that enhance international communication, understanding and cooperation at MSU. The 2013 recipients include:


o    Dilrukshi Hashini Galhena (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1194), a faculty member in the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, has supported the advancement of international agriculture and rural development, helping connect MSU to the people and communities in Sri Lanka and South Asia.

o    Mai Jiaqi (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1195), a marketing student in the Eli Broad College of Business has volunteered her time to support activities for international communication and understanding.

o    Kristopher D. Wilson (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1196), a junior in international relations is supporting a welcoming environment for international students at MSU through his support of numerous student organizations and participation in intercultural activities.

o    Carol Downing Towl (http://www.isp.msu.edu/news/?id=1197), the co-chair of the Community Volunteers for International Programs has been an exceptional volunteer serving on the executive committee and arranging international speakers at local schools and community organizations.