October 9, 2008
Etc.: Campus news & notes
BEYOND BORDERS: The Foundation for International Understanding Through Students has announced the recipients of its annual awards honoring individuals or organizations who embody the FIUTS mission of international understanding and peace.
Kim Lovaas, assistant director of international admissions, was named the winner of the Gordon H. Sweany Award for her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for new international students. The Sweany Award honors the faculty or staff member who has done the most to support international students and international education in the previous year.
This year’s Shigemura Award goes to China Earthquake Aid, the organization founded by UW students and faculty after the Sichuan Earthquake, for its quick response to the disaster and its ongoing support of earthquake victims. The Shigemura Award honors an outstanding student, community member or organization that has been especially instrumental in promoting international understanding in our community.
Kenji and Martha Onishi are the winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented to a FIUTS volunteer, affiliated group or partner organization who has been instrumental in promoting FIUTS’ mission, building the organization or providing key leadership and loyal service through many years. The Onishis have been dedicated volunteers and homestay hosts.
This year’s awards will be presented at the FIUTS 60th anniversary dinner on Saturday, Nov. 8.
IMPROVING LEARNING: Tom Stritikus, associate dean of academic programs at the UW College of Education, has been named to the board of directors of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in Portland, Ore. Stritikus is one of 29 directors governing the lab, a private, nonprofit corporation that works to improve learning by building capacity in schools, families and communities through applied research and development. The lab works mainly in Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
REAL ESTATE STAR: Steve Kennard, assistant director for asset management in the UW Real Estate Office, has received the Award of Excellence from the Association of University Real Estate Officials. The award recognizes individuals “for a project which has had the greatest impact on a university.” Kennard was recognized for his work on the Boat Street Marina Project. The award honors projects that are innovative and cost effective.
PRESTIGIOUS POET: UW alum Kristin Naca (bachelor’s in English, 1995) was chosen as a winner of the prestigious National Poetry Series Book Contest with a manuscript titled Bird Eating Bird. Her work will be published by Harper Perennial in September of 2009. Naca’s entry was selected by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa, whom Naca will interview as the winner of the first ever mtvU Prize. The interview will air on the MTV television show, My Shot With…
The National Poetry Series competition was established in 1978 “to recognize and promote excellence in contemporary poetry by ensuring the publication of five books of poetry a year.” Naca’s manuscript was chosen from more than 1,300 entries across the nation.
Do you know someone who deserves kudos for an outstanding achievement, award, appointment or book publication? If so, send that person’s name, title and achievement to uweek@u.washington.edu.
