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The Hugh M. Jenkins Award for Excellence in Community Programming recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting global understanding and international exchange in the local community. Specifically, it honors people who exemplify a spirit of volunteerism and a long-term dedication to international exchange. The award identifies individuals whose leadership encompasses outstanding skills in recruiting, training, and recognizing community volunteers. It is also intended to reward personal involvement with international students/scholars/dependents in the local community.

The nomination period for the 2026 Hugh M. Jenkins Award for Excellence in Community Programming will be announced in the fall. All KC ISSS members are invited to submit nominations for the award.

2025 Hugh M. Jenkins Award for Excellence in Community Programming

Congratulations to the recipient of the 2025 Hugh M. Jenkins Award for Excellence in Community Programming, Era Schrepfer!

Selection Criteria

The nominee must have:

  • commitment to promoting global understanding and providing for international exchange in the local community;
  • spirit of volunteerism and a long-term commitment to international education and exchange;
  • excellence in leadership for recruiting, training, and recognizing community volunteers;
  • active participation with international students/scholars/dependents in the local community.

Nomination Procedure

Each nominee must have the following:

  • One primary nomination form
  • Two additional references (their names, organizations/institutions, daytime phone numbers, and e-mail addresses)

The recipient of this award will be announced by KC ISSS leadership in conjunction with the NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo.

Questions? Please contact NAFSA's International Student/Scholar Services team.

Era Schrepfer

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Era Schrepfer photo
Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS)
Era Schrepfer has served as Executive Director of FIUTS (the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students) since 2006. Founded in 1948, FIUTS has long been a hub for international student engagement in the Seattle area. Under Era’s leadership, the organization has deepened their work...

Dilnoza Khasilova, PhD

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Dilnoza Khasilova Professional Image
Laramie County Community College
Chair-elect, Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)
Dilnoza Khasilova, PhD, is a faculty of the ABE at Laramie County Community College. She is a founder of the Volunteer World Language and Culture program (alumni initiative/community programming) at the University of Wyoming. She holds her PhD in Literacy Studies, Curriculum & Instruction Department...

Cynthia J.K. Smith

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Cynthia Smith's photo
University of Arkansas - Fayetteville
Cynthia Smith is the Assistant Director of the office of International Students and Scholars at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Her focus is to work with programs that connect the international students with the campus and community. Cynthia started working officially in International...
All Past Recipients
Criteria for Selecting Nominees
Selection Information