Academics

2013 Spirit of Internationalization Award winners announced

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State’s University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 Spirit of Internationalization Awards.These annual awards honor women from Penn State and the local community who embody the "Spirit of Internationalization" through academic achievements, artistic excellence, volunteerism in international organizations or dedication to advancing the status of women.The awards coincide with International Women’s Day (observed March 8), which is celebrated worldwide to bring attention to global women’s issues.The 2013 Spirit of Internationalization Award winners are:-- Elif Balin – doctoral candidate in counselor education and women’s studies, and career counselor, Penn State Career Services;-- Gina Jones – instructor and coordinator, Center for Experiential Education at Penn State Fayette, the Eberly Campus, and co-chair of MyOWN Campaign;-- Kathleen Kelley – associate professor of horticultural marketing and business management;-- Audrey Maretzki – professor emeritus of food science and nutrition, co-director of the Interinstitutional Consortium for Indigenous Knowledge, and board member of the Centre County Chapter of the United Nations Association;-- Sarah Smith – medical student, College of Medicine Global Health Scholars Program.This year’s Spirit of Internationalization selection committee included representatives of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Centre County League of Women Voters, the Commission for Women, Global Connections and UOGP.To learn more about the remarkable accomplishments of these women, UOGP encourages Penn State faculty, staff and students as well as community members to attend the International Women’s Day Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. March 12, in the Nittany Lion Inn ballroom.The featured speaker this year is Susan Russell, assistant professor in the School of Theatre. Russell is an accomplished actor, playwright, book author and teacher. She is the creator and artistic director of the unique new works festival Cultural Conversations, the core of which is an in-school program called Body Language. Using playwriting and performance, Russell encourages young people involved in the program to explore social issues. In 2012, she was awarded the Penn State Commission for Women's Faculty Award for her work on women's issues at Penn State. Recently, Russell was selected for the Faces of Penn State campaign to highlight her community outreach efforts.To make reservations for the breakfast, or for more information, contact Sandi Richter, special events coordinator, University Office of Global Programs, at 814-863-5973 or smr274@psu.edu. Tickets are $12 per person and proceeds of the event will benefit Stormbreak Girl's Group Home, part of the Centre County Youth Service Bureau. Checks may be made out to “Youth Service Bureau” with “Stormbreak” in the memo and mailed to Sandi Richter at 410 Boucke Building. Attendees are asked to RSVP by noon March 7.

Last Updated February 28, 2013

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