University recognized as award-winning leader in internationalization

University of Calgary International hosted a recognition event recently to celebrate the four prestigious awards received in the last 13 months for excellence in internationalization. The event recognized individuals and teams across the university who have been instrumental in helping to implement our International Strategy across campus.

“These successes belong to all of us,” said Janaka Ruwanpura, vice-provost (international) at the event. “I know that these achievements wouldn’t have been possible without all of you who have worked together to make our university a global intellectual hub.”

Ruwanpura highlighted a seven-point recipe for success to achieve excellence in internationalization during the event. The points discussed included internationalization as an academic priority, a clear and focused strategy, dynamic and passionate leadership, faculty-owned programs and projects, integrated teaching, research and service, contemporary organizational structure, and an innovative and sustainable funding model.

“Universities have a critical role to play in globalization,” said Provost Dru Marshall. “We have made tremendous strides in the last five years in our internationalization efforts and today it is important to celebrate our many successes.”

The collaborative nature of these international achievements and the commitment and diligent work of so many across the campus community were common themes throughout the event.

The internationalization awards received by the University of Calgary include:

• The Institutional Award for Global Learning, Research and Engagement from the United States Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (November 2017)
• UN Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals Award, from Global Compact Network Canada (September 2017), in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability
• The Educational Excellence Award – Bronze from the Canada China Business Council (December 2016)
• The Board of Directors’ Award for Comprehensive Internationalization from the Canadian Bureau of International Education (November 2016)