The International Institute (II) started the Staff Awards program in 2023, celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of members of the II professional team. All regular staff at the II were eligible to be nominated for awards in six categories, and the nominations could come from faculty or staff colleagues. The awards were presented on December 19, 2024, at the staff holiday appreciation luncheon. The award categories and the winners are:

Outstanding New Staff 

This award recognizes and celebrates a new staff member who has made significant contributions to the International Institute. This award is given to someone who has joined the team within the past three years and has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic, a positive attitude, and a dedication to the II’s mission and core values in a very short time.

Awardee: Warsan Salah, Academic Program Specialist, Center for Middle Eastern & North African Studies

Outstanding Advocate of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This award honors an employee who consistently advances the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the International Institute. The awardee consistently demonstrates the ability to inspire and lead others towards a more inclusive environment in Weiser Hall. By embodying the notion that “there is no ‘I’ in team,” this staff member creates a space where all feel welcome and encouraged to do their best work.

Awardee: Marwa Hassan, Academic Program Specialist, African Studies Center

Outstanding Innovator/Contributor

This award recognizes a staff member who has demonstrated exceptional creativity at the II. This individual will have contributed to the development and implementation of new ideas or processes that have resulted in significant improvements or advancements in the culture and operations of the II.

Awardee: Anna Mayne, Administrative Coordinator, Europe/Eurasia/Africa Centers

Outstanding Public Engagement

This award recognizes an individual who embodies the pillar of engagement in the International Institute’s mission. This staff member has demonstrated exceptional initiative in public outreach. Their work truly “brings Michigan to the world and the world to Michigan.”

Awardee: Christopher Jensen, Outreach Coordinator, Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies

II Team Award

This award honors a team within the International Institute that has contributed to the II from a team perspective. This award is given to a team that has worked together to collectively advance the goals and mission of the II.

Awardees: MIRS team: Charlie Polinko, Graduate Advisor; Tina Griffith, Curriculum and Advising Coordinator; Kari Conley, Academic Services Manager

One II Award

This award honors an individual who embodies the idea of “One II” and who exhibits actions that are emblematic of the idea that the II is greater than the sum of its parts through consistent partnership and collaboration across centers and II teams. This individual actively promotes with both internal and external stakeholders the stated mission of the II in the areas of education, engagement, and innovation.

Awardee: Evan Vowell, External Grants Manager