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On Monday, February 27 nearly 70 faculty and staff gathered at the home of President Eric Spina and Karen Spina to celebrate their contributions towards international engagement at the University of Dayton.  The Global Excellence Reception, the first of what will become an annual event, recognized nine groups that have impacted internationalization in diverse ways.   The groups include:

Visiting Scholars and Hosts
International Marianists
Global Education Seminar Planning Team
Global Education Fellows
Faculty-Led Programs Abroad Site Coordinators
Education Abroad Program Directors
TAGS Committee
CIP Liaisons
International Education Council

Some members have served in the capacity of guiding UD’s international strategy, developing support for a globally inclusive learning environment, leading education programs, or educating the campus of the Catholic and Marianist mission.  This reception also served as a formal welcome to visiting scholars that come to UD to conduct research, teach, and participate in the campus academic life. 

The reception opened with music performances by Alan Copely and Yu Zhao, two students that met while living in the Cross Cultural Connections floor - a first-year community bringing U.S. and International students together.  Remarks were made by President Spina, Provost Benson and CIP executive director, Amy Anderson.  Following, three honorees, Suki Kwon, Pablo Iannello, and Qiwen Zhan shared reflections about their international engagement.

When asked why such an event is important, Amy Anderson, responded, “Internationalization is a community effort.  It is important that we take time to appreciate the extraordinary work and engagement across campus.”  The reception was also a great place to connect a number of faculty and staff, sharing similar interests.