By Hayley Bruce, Iowa Now
The University of Iowa is one of only four schools in the United States to receive the prestigious 2017 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Named for the late U.S. senator from Illinois Paul Simon, a champion of international education and cultural exchange, NAFSA’s Simon awards recognize colleges and universities that are making significant, well-planned, well-executed, and well-documented progress toward comprehensive internationalization—especially those using innovative and creative approaches.
“It is a distinct honor to be recognized by NAFSA for our institution’s commitment to internationalization,” says Downing Thomas, associate provost for academic affairs and dean of International Programs at the UI. “The University of Iowa’s commitment to internationalization has never been more significant, nor more infused throughout the collegiate and departmental missions than it is today.”
The award is granted to a limited number of institutions each year. The UI is one of only four recipients in 2017.
“As an institution, we celebrate the opportunity to educate talented students from around the world,” says UI President Bruce Harreld. “Diversity strengthens and enriches our community and prepares our students to be global citizens.”