2025-2026 CGDSD Award Recipients
Congratulations to all 2025-2026 CGDSD Award Recipients!
Outstanding International Education Initiative
This award recognizes programs and other educational initiatives that support international education and the global dimensions of student development.
Kamrie Risku
Coordinator, Curriculum and Partnerships – University of Maryland, College Park
Graduate Student Excellence Award
This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated a passion for international education and advocates for international populations. This award recognizes and honors graduate students who have made significant contributions to the international student community. This award celebrates those who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting, advocating for, and enhancing the experience of international students through research, programming, or advocacy. The award aims to encourage the development of an inclusive and supportive campus environment for international students.
Festus Cobena Ainoo
Assistant Residence Director & Graduate Student – University of Massachusetts Amherst
Service to the International Community
This award recognizes an individual for outstanding service to the international community. The nominee has to demonstrate a history of involvement and leadership, over several years, to the international Student Affairs community.
Karren Gunalan
Residence Life Coordinator – University of Toledo
New Professional Award
This award recognizes a new professional with less than 3 years of full-time professional experience who has demonstrated a passion for international education. The nominee has to demonstrate a history of involvement with internationalization and/or globalization efforts within their community in the last two years
Yibin Wei
Career Advisor – James Madison University
Excellence in International Research
This award recognizes an individual for significant scholarly contributions of educational and intrinsic value to international education and/or international student affairs and services in the last two years.
Dr. Milad Mohebali
Assistant Professor – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Outstanding Mentor to International Professionals
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional guidance, support, and mentorship to professionals working in international and global education. Through their commitment, care, and cultural responsiveness, this mentor has made a meaningful impact on the professional growth and development of others in the field.
Judith Pennywell
Director, International Center and Adjunct Lecturer – University of Michigan
