UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Nominations are being accepted for the Spirit of Internationalization award, which acknowledges women from Penn State and the local community who excel in academic achievements, artistic excellence, volunteerism in international organizations or dedication to advancing the status of women. The award will be presented by Penn State’s University Office of Global Programs at their sixth annual breakfast in celebration of International Women’s Day. It will be held at 8:30 a.m. March 12, in the ballroom of The Nittany Lion Inn.
The featured speaker this year is Susan Russell, assistant professor in the School of Theatre. Russell is an accomplished actor, playwright, 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.
Nominations for the Spirit of Internationalization award are due Feb. 20. Instructions for nominations, criteria and a nomination form can be found at http://www.global.psu.edu/about/award_internationalization.cfm.
International Women’s Day, which is officially observed March 8, is celebrated by universities, businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals around the world in the form of rallies, festivals, conferences, performances and more. Originating in the early 1900s, the day has long been an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements as well as to draw attention to pressing issues affecting women worldwide.
To make reservations for the International Women’s Day Breakfast, or for more information about the event or the award, contact Sandi Richter, special events coordinator, University Office of Global Programs, at (814) 863-5973 or smr274@psu.edu. Tickets for the breakfast are $12 per person. All tickets purchased via cash or personal check will contribute to the 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, University Park, PA 16802.