EAST LANSING, Mich.--A faculty member who works closely with the New Partnerships for Africa's Development was the winner of MSU's prestigious international award named in honor of Ralph Smuckler, a former dean of International Studies and Programs and professor emeritus, at the 20th annual International Studies and Programs awards ceremony held on March 24. Karim Maredia joined 10 other honorees which included faculty members, students, staff, and MSU alumni and community members.

"We are proud to recognize the achievements of the greater MSU team who have helped to make MSU a university of distinction and whose involvements have enriched the campus, the state of Michigan and the world," said Jeffrey Riedinger, dean of International Studies and Programs at MSU.

Individual award recipients:

Karim Maredia received the Ralph H. Smuckler Award for Advancing International Studies and Programs. Maredia's research spans several continents and includes teaching international training programs and short courses to international scientists, policy makers and administrators. With $10.5 million in grant support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Maredia is now assisting with biotechnology decision-making among African regulators

Volodymyr Tarabara received the John K. Hudzik Emerging Leader in Advancing International Studies and Programs Award. As an assistant professor with MSU's College of Engineering, Dr. Tarabara developed a study abroad program in Eastern Europe and co-organized and recently chaired the first ever "International Collaborations in Environmental Research and Education" forum. Additionally, he has helped secure funding for 11 and was instrumental in landing a multi-million dollar NSF grant for membrane nanotechnologies research.

Nils Joseph Kauffman is the recipient of the Gill-Chin Lim Award for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Global Studies. His dissertation, Empty Pedestals: Creating a National School System in an Era of Globalization, offers a complex analysis of the education system in Moldova from the end of the Soviet Union through independence to the present. His work captured aspirations with implications not only for Moldova, but also for many educational systems throughout the world.

Surinder Kuma Choudhari received the Joon S. Moon Distinguished International Alumni Award. Shortly after receiving his engineering degree with honors from Michigan State in 1962, Surinder returned home to India and founded an engineering business. While building his business he maintained an international focus, collaborating with a German company to pioneer suspension seating in India. Today, Surinder's company includes nine manufacturing sites and provides more than 1,000 jobs.

Anna Norris received the MSU Award for Outstanding Service to Study Abroad. She is an associate professor of French and acting department chair for French, Classics and Italian. For the last eight summers, Norris has lead the French Language and Literature program in Tours, France. Additionally, she completely redesigned the French program offerings, which has increased opportunities for cultural exchange and made it possible for MSU to adapt programming for current events and issues in France and Europe.

Sharin Kambin Timms is the recipient of the Glen L. Taggart Award for Community Contribution to International Understanding. As the director of the Refugee Development Center (RDC) in Lansing, Timms coordinates 350 volunteers who help with tutoring, mentoring, driver's training, life-skills and youth programs. She also serves the Lansing community by serving on boards with Capitol Area Red Cross and the Lansing Regional ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Alliance.

Sam Singh is the recipient of the Charles A. Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy. After serving as the Mayor of East Lansing, Sing began a trip around the world. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity along the way, promoting community service and global cooperation, values that have marked both his professional and personal life. Upon returning to the East Lansing, Sam hosted a series of public sessions for students and the Greater Lansing community, sharing his new insights of a global community.

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 their acts of international service to MSU students and the greater community. The 2010 recipients include: * Iris Horner, a retired public school teacher. * Dwi Yuliantoro, a doctoral student in the College of Education's Curriculum, Teaching and Education Policy program from Indonesia. * Onur Agirseven, a doctoral student in Mathematics from Turkey

The International Awards Ceremony took place at the Spartan Club in Spartan Stadium at 3:30 p.m., with a presentation of the awards followed by a reception.