NEW YORK, June 8, 2014—At a reception in San Diego on May 27, the Institute of International Education presented an award for outstanding service to Dr. Wesley Young from the University of California, Davis for his extraordinary contributions to international student exchange. Dr. Young was commended for his commitment, his support of IIE’s mission, and his contributions to the Fulbright Program and the field of international education.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Program offers grants for U.S. citizens to study, teach and conduct research abroad and for non-U.S. citizens to study, teach and conduct research in the United States. The Institute of International Education administers the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). UC Davis has historically had a strong relationship with the Fulbright Program, and has been recognized in past years as a top producer of U.S. Fulbrighters and a top host for Fulbright Visiting Scholars. Wes Young and UC Davis have also worked closely with IIE over the years in support of other international education initiatives, including hosting students from Brazil as part of the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program.
IIE recognized Dr. Young, who has served as Director of Services for International Student and Scholars at the University of California, Davis for more than a decade, for his invaluable role in furthering the partnership between IIE and UC Davis in support of the international students the university hosts. When these students complete their studies they return to their home countries and serve as important links to the United States, California, and the university in business, government, education, and industry.
At the reception, Betsy Glans and Ellen McKey, the Institute’s Deputy Vice Presidents for Student Exchanges, welcomed campus partners from across the country and around the world, thanking them for the important role they play in the success of these programs and in expanding international opportunities for their students. They also recognized several visiting Fulbright Commission executive directors for their role in furthering the bi-national priorities of the program in many of the more than 150 countries in which the program operates.
In presenting the award, IIE’s Laurie Stevens and Wagaye Johannes commended Dr. Young’s commitment and his contributions to the success of the Fulbright exchanges at UC Davis. Ms. Stevens commented that “Wes has been an active contributor to various aspects of the many different Fulbright programs: he has served for multiple years on the International Education Administrators peer review committee; driven Fulbright scholars many miles to enrichment activities; greeted Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants upon arrival; assisted Fulbright students with adjustment issues; and worked with the UC Davis Chancellor’s office each year to invite all foreign students and scholars, U.S. alumni, and Humphrey Fellows to the annual UC Davis Fulbright Reception.”
Ms. Johannes remarked, “Wes is humble and understates the critical role he plays in helping exchange visitors as they come to the U.S., but this contribution cannot be underestimated. His impact has been great, and IIE deeply appreciates his partnership with us. This partnership makes the Fulbright exchange a more memorable experience for the participants. We always know we can count on Wes to be there for the exchange visitors.”
About the Institute of International Education
The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 19 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,200 member institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. IIE also conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad.
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