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Internationalization Award

What is the IA?

This award honors a GVSU faculty member for significant service, teaching, program development, international projects, and other contributions to the internationalization of the University and campus community. It recognizes the achievements of tenured, tenure-track, or affiliate faculty who advance international education and the global learning mission at GVSU. Examples of such accomplishments include, but are not limited to:

  • Excellence in developing and/or leading a study abroad program or encouraging students to participate in high impact experiences outside the USA
  • Leadership in building or improving international partnerships
  • Commitment above and beyond normal scope of duties in meeting the needs of international students and/or faculty
  • Inspiring global citizenship in others in the GVSU community, reflected in courses or campus activities
  • Promoting and raising awareness of internationalization among GVSU students, faculty, and staff
  • Effective help in the recruitment of qualified international students to GVSU
  • Exemplary contribution to international research, scholarship, or teaching

The award winner is chosen by a special subcommittee of the International Education Committee (IEC, faculty governance advisory). To be eligible, individuals must have been employed at GVSU for at least five years, and be a tenured, tenure-track, or affiliate faculty member. Individuals cannot be a previous winner within five years. Self-nominations are not accepted. Current members of the IEC are not eligible; IEC members may nominate a colleague, but the nominators must recuse themselves from the review committee for that cycle. The award will be presented at the annual faculty awards ceremony, typically held in February.

Previous Awardees

2025: Jeroen Wagendorp- Geography and Sustainable Planning 

2024: Zsuzsanna Palmer- Writing

2023: Paola Leon - Social Work 

2022: Steeve Buckridge - History Department

2021: Naoki Kanaboshi - Criminal Justice

2020: Anne Caillaud - Modern Languages and Literatures

2019: Sherie Klee - College of Education

2018: John Constantelos - Political Science Department

2017 Carol Sanchez - Seidman College of Business

2016  Jim Goode - History Department 

A GVSU student smiling after being recognized for being an outstanding student at the Women's Award event.
Staff and students joined the Global Laker Festival for lawn games, international music, snacks, and other activities in front of the carillon tower September 4.
Page last modified January 16, 2026