On Wednesday, March 21 the 2012 International Awards Ceremony was held where David Horner won the Homer Higbee International Education Award at MSU.

David Horner’s career began 49 years ago when he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. His work history and passion for international education eventually led to an appointment as Director of the Office for International Students and Scholars at Michigan State University from 1983 to 2001.

Although retired from MSU, Horner has continued to share his knowledge and assistance to benefit international students through his involvement with the Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP).  In 2008, Horner was elected the organization’s president, and this May marks his fourth year in that position. 

Although Horner’s length of service and commitment to international education is indeed commendable, it is the accomplishments of CVIP under his leadership that have earned him the Homer Higbee award.  The most outstanding accomplishments include:

·         Creating a CVIP 50^th anniversary celebration that strengthened the organization’s partnership with the City of East Lansing and provided an venue to publicly highlight the organization’s achievements.   

·         Leading the development of a Strategic Plan with annual operating goals that will guide CVIP work over the next 50 years.   

·         Securing CVIP’s 501 (c) (3) status, which allows the organizationto apply for grants and receive charitable contributions. 

·         Creating Revenue Producing Partnerships that has allowed the organization toexpand its services for international students.  

His leadership, experience and enthusiasm has reinvigorated the CVIP board of directors and volunteers.

Horner’s diplomacy, passion for cross-cultural education and his deep commitment to life changing international experiences make him an ideal candidate for the Homer Higbee Award.