Five U.S. Colleges Receive Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization

WASHINGTON, November 21, 2005—Five U.S. higher education institutions have been awarded the distinguished Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization and are featured in a report published today by NAFSA: Association of International Educators entitled Internationalizing the Campus 2005: Profiles of Success at Colleges and Universities.

Colby College, Colgate University, Howard Community College, University of California at Los Angeles, and the University of Kansas received this year’s award, which recognizes overall excellence in campus internationalization. The award is named for the late Senator Paul Simon (D-Ill.), who served as a strong voice in support of international education as an issue of crucial importance for the future strength and security of the United States. His leadership in this area was especially visible in his strong support for the creation of the National Security Education Program, and the formation of the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program. 

"The late Senator Paul Simon understood the central importance of international education,” said NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Marlene M. Johnson.  “It gives us great pleasure to recognize this year’s Simon Award winners for their innovative contributions to the internationalization of learning for today’s college students. The remarkable programs and initiatives highlighted in this year’s report provide a model for other institutions that want to ensure that their graduates have the cross-cultural skills and global awareness that success in the twenty-first century requires.”

Three other exemplary programs are also highlighted in this year’s report: Columbus State Community College, El Camino College, and the University of Denver.

Internationalizing the Campus 2005 captures the breadth and depth of accomplishment in internationalization at U.S. colleges and universities. Made possible through generous support from the Educational Information and Resources Branch of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the, the report examines the development and impact of exemplary international education initiatives at U.S. higher education institutions.

The highlighted institutions are distinguished by their commitment to supporting and advancing a college experience that includes a global perspective. All participants in the life of the campus—institutional leadership, faculty, students, visiting scholars, staff and community members—are part of internationalization, whether of curriculum, study abroad opportunities, recruitment of foreign students and scholars, faculty exchanges, community outreach, or other initiatives.  Internationalizing the Campus 2005 showcases model approaches and practices and highlights important trends in international education in the United States.

To read the report, access: http://www.nafsa.org/itc2005