Denison University received the 2009 University Award for International Education from the International Journal of Arts & Sciences at their annual conference in Gottenheim, Germany. The award was accepted by Denison students who were presenting their research at the conference. From left, DiTallianna Patterson '11, Victoria Roberts '11, conference coordinator Joseph Bonnici of Central Connecticut State University, Julian Williams '11, and Jasmine McGhee '11.

Denison University has received the 2009 University Award for International Education from the International Journal of Arts & Sciences (IJAS).

The inaugural award was presented at November’s IJAS Conference in Gottenheim, Germany, by that city’s mayor, Volker Kieber, and was accepted by Denison juniors Jasmine McGhee, DiTallianna Patterson, Victoria Roberts and Julian Williams, all of Chicago, Ill.

In its news release, the IJAS cites Denison’s contributions to international education, its commitment to undergraduate research, the quality of Denison’s student engagement and scholarship, and the overall strength of the college’s study-abroad program.

“Not many schools consider the research component as an important variable in considering international opportunities for their students,” the release states. “Denison not only kept the research component in sight, it also vigorously encouraged its students to go and present their research at international academic gatherings.”

In reference to the research and conference presentations by McGhee, Patterson, Roberts, and Williams, the IJAS said, “Denison’s students shared the excellent research they had done before going overseas.” Instead of just expecting to “receive” a cultural experience, the Denison students were “active ‘exporters’ of knowledge and learning.”

The IJAS also noted Denison’s careful handling of pre-departure issues, which pave the way for successful engagement overseas. “It was clear to us that Denison leaves nothing to chance in preparing its students for international experience.”

The 2009 IJAS Conference in Gottenheim attracted delegates from more than 25 countries. Keynote speaker for the five-day event was Bernd Finger, director of the International Office at the Albert-Ludwig University in Freiburg, Germany.

McGhee, Patterson, Roberts and Williams attended the conference with the support of the college and under the auspices of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The McNair program is named for a gifted astronaut who died aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger during its tragic 1986 flight. The program prepares talented undergraduates with strong academic potential and disadvantaged background for the next steps in higher education—graduate school and doctoral studies.

For More Information:
Feature: McNair Scholars Represent Denison at IJAS Conference in Germany