Division of Global Affairs receives Alif Institute honor

KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 26, 2017

Award recognizes unit鈥檚 contributions to Arab American advancement

Based on nominations from the community, 鈥檚 was awarded a 2017 High Achiever Award by the Alif Institute, an Arab cultural center in Atlanta.

The award, which recognized the University鈥檚 global division as an 鈥渙rganization contributing to the advancement of the Arab community,鈥 was presented Oct. 21 to Lance Askildson, vice provost and chief international officer, and Dan Paracka, director of campus internationalization, at the Institute鈥檚 eighth annual awards gala.

鈥淭he Division of Global Affairs is truly honored to be recognized for our efforts in this area,鈥 Askildson said. 鈥淎 university experience is about more than teaching students the skills to succeed in their professional lives; it is also about helping them become engaged, responsible global citizens. Everyone at the DGA is committed to the belief that exposure to other cultures is an essential ingredient in a college education. Engaging with our local Arab American communities and promoting greater exposure to and understanding of Arab culture goes hand-in-hand with these goals.鈥

Alif Institute award

Kennesaw State has sponsored a number of programs fostering understanding and relationships with Arab cultures. During the 2014-2015 academic year, the University presented the 鈥溾 as its 31st annual study of a country or region of the world.  The regional study encompassed the countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

The yearlong study, coordinated annually by the Division of Global Affairs, featured a series of more than 30 lectures and cultural events, many focused on the changing role of women in the region and Islam鈥檚 messages of tolerance, understanding and coexistence. The annual study was presented in conjunction with the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, D. C. and locally with support from the Alif Institute.

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