2020 International Student Award Winners Announced

Every year, the Center for Global Engagement at RMU honors one domestic and one international student for embodying the Global Perspective on campus. This year, both winners were from SIHSS. 

The domestic student award went to SIHSS student Sydney Clark, a Political Science major. Sydney worked in the CGE's office, went to South Africa for the summer, was a Global Ambassador helping international students acclimate to RMU, and did a semester in Washington, D.C. working for the Peace Corps. "All my experiences have taught me about the importance of global engagement, and they have also expanded my worldview," said Sydney. "These things have taught me a lot about the world, but also a lot about myself."

The international student award went to Lakshmi Chaitanya Kakarla, a Data Analytics Master's student. This year, Lakshmi has been both a Global Ambassador and the Graduate Assistant - General Manager for RMU Radio in the Academic Media Center, leading a project to develop data-driven content strategies to better serve the campus community. She also brought more diverse voices into student media - including the return of the Saudi Student Association show and new Global Ambassadors podcast. 

"I'm extremely honored to receive this award. I've faced many challenges, and winning this award would not have been possible without the mentoring and encouragement I've received from Dr. Tim Jones and Dr. Diane Igoche." 

Both students were honored at a virtual awards ceremony this past May 7.