SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher Recognizes Faculty for Innovation in Study Abroad Programs

Albany – State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher today announced the winners of the 2011-2012 Chancellor’s Award for Internationalization (CAFI).

CAFI encourages the establishment of new and innovative study abroad programs in less commonly traveled destinations. Also taken into consideration is the exploration of underrepresented academic disciplines in study abroad. SUNY works as a consortium for study abroad, therefore new programs are available to students from throughout the SUNY system. Recipients receive $4,000 to support the program and to help make it more affordable for students.

Coordinated by SUNY Global’s Office of International Programs (OIP), the top proposals were selected by a committee of five SUNY campus representatives from applications submitted from across the state.

The recipients of this year’s award are:

·         Lisa Glidden, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, SUNY Oswego, for “Crafting Sustainable Communities” in Ecuador;

·         Amy Warcup, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education and Integrated Health, Finger Lakes Community College, for “Thai Massage Study Abroad Course” in Chiang Mai, Thailand;

·         Jan Factor, Professor, Department of Biology, Purchase College for “Coral Reef Biology and Ecology” in Honduras;

·         Carmen Rivera, Chair and Professor, Department Modern Languages and Literatures, SUNY Fredonia, for “Thematic International Education Seminars, T.I.E.S.” in Puebla, Mexico; and

·         Debra Fromm Faria, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, College at Brockport, for “Integrative Approaches to Global Social Work” in Russia.

The award is especially relevant in that it supports SUNY’s strategic plan, The Power of SUNY. The plan focuses on Six Big Ideas, one of which is SUNY and the World, which calls on SUNY to “increase the opportunities for international exposure throughout all courses and degrees” in an effort to create a globally competent student body.

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 465,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses with more than 2.5 million alumni around the globe. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu 

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