At the annual Celebrate! CSU Awards ceremony on April 16, the Office of International Programs presented three awards in recognition of the outstanding international service of campus and community members Maria Hernandex-Gimenez, Lou Swanson, and Mark Oberschmidt and Nancy Murray. Recipients of the Office of International Programs Distinguished Service Award were honored alongside other distinguished campus and community award recipients at the Lory Student Center.
Maria Fernandez-Gimenez
Maria Fernandez-Gimenez, a professor in the Warner College of Natural Resources, has been actively engaged in ongoing research on Mongolia’s social-ecological systems since the 1990’s. She has increased scientific knowledge of Mongolia’s rangeland systems, engendered the interest of western scholars in Mongolian pastoralism, supported Mongolia’s scientists and young researchers through collaboration on joint research projects, training, hosting visiting scholars and advising Mongolian graduate students, and been active in policy formation for Mongolian rangeland management. In 2014, Maria was awarded the title of “Honorable Champion of Agriculture and Industry” by the government of Mongolia in recognition of her significant contributions.
Lou Swanson
A well-know rural sociologist and CSU’s Vice President for Engagement since 2006, Lou Swanson is also a passionate advocate for internationalization on campus. Even as a graduate student, Lou focused on international development before serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tunisia for two years.
Lou brings international perspectives to every aspect of his work, providing a leading voice and serving as an organizer for CSU’s exciting major initiatives in Anhui Province in China, and in East Africa.
Mark Oberschmidt and Nancy Murray
Mark Oberschmidt and Nancy Murray are active leaders with the Fort Collins International Center, a community volunteer organization that partners with the Office of International Programs to provide social and cultural programming for international students and scholars. Both Nancy and Mark have held formal leadership positions with FCIC over the years, with Mark serving as the current president. The couple have attended numerous Friday Afternoon Club events and barbecues at the International House, at International Night at the Library, leading a hike on the weekends, and in innumerable other connections with our students and their families.