The Global Programs and Strategy Alliance is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Mestenhauser Student Award for Excellence in Campus Internationalization. Nisma Elias (PhD student, CIDE) and Rawan Algahtani (Senior, HRD) were two of the three recipients systemwide, and the only recipients from CEHD.
Algahtani has served as a mentor and marketing communicator for the International Buddy Program, which connects new international students to current students as they transition to campus; facilitated for the International Student Advisory Board; facilitated International Student and Scholar Services’ cross-cultural discussion groups, where domestic and international students come together for conversations about their experiences; and helped departments include the voices of Middle Eastern students through media productions and materials. “Rawan is a very motivated student, excited to pursue opportunities that may allow her to develop skills that could be beneficial in her future,” states Daniel Koza, OLPD Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies and Advising. “She’s passionate about developing a global mindset and supporting/helping others.”
Elias, who holds an MA in International Development Economics from Yale University and a BA in Economics from Reed College, is co-editor of Reconsidering Development, a peer reviewed e-journal that aims to create an equitable space for dialogue and discussion concerning the theory and practice of international development, as well as current chair of GLO (the Graduate League of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development). Professor Joan DeJaeghere remarks that “Nisma has utilized her doctoral studies to advance her own and others’ international and intercultural engagement through various extra-curricular experiences that epitomize what Dr. Mestenhauser advocated as intercultural learning.”
Named in honor of Dr. Josef Mestenhauser (1925–2015), who was a Distinguished International Emeritus Professor in OLPD (CIDE), the award recognizes outstanding student contributions to international education. Dr. Mestenhauser’s career spanned more than fifty years as a teacher, researcher, administrator, counselor, and consultant. He published more than 120 books, monographs, articles, and book chapters on international education, educational exchanges, international studies, transfer of knowledge, cross-cultural relations, leadership development, cultural change, educational reform and professionalism. Click here to learn more about Dr. Mestenhauser.
