Global Citizenship Awards presented April 28 at International Dinner
For the past six years, the International Programs Matrix has recognized members of the St. Thomas community whose personal or professional work brings the concept of global citizenship to their departments, classrooms, residence halls or student clubs.
Here are this year’s winners and highlights from their nomination letters:
• Faculty – Tim Scully, associate professor, Communication Studies
Not only does Tim Scully directly influence the students in his classes and students who are part of Campus Scope, he helps them create meaningful and lasting works that educate others in the community, both on and off campus. He has produced several incredible videos with an intercultural focus, such as "Integrating Cultures," which focuses on Somalis in Australia and Minnesota. He is a leader in the area of service learning; his intercultural and sometimes international projects benefit nonprofit organizations and provide in-depth experience for his students.
• Staff – Sue Moyers, recently of the Opus College of Business
Sue Moyers has had the ability to understand the culture of many students to make them feel comfortable sharing with her their dreams and ambitions. In support of their job search, she has opened doors for international students and she also has opened the minds of many employers and professionals regarding the quality of international students at UST. She is very competent in coaching international students, and in initiating and organizing events with international students and employers. She promotes international and intercultural awareness inside and outside St. Thomas in favor of UST international students.
• Student – Peter Billerbeck
Peter Billerbeck's character has exemplified the ideal of an active global citizen, showing particular respect and inclusiveness for diverse peoples and ideas. Through his study and travels in Spain, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan, Billerbeck has brought a professional and educated courtesy to all his endeavors. He continues this respect and inclusive attitude by leading the Foreign Affairs Club and Model United Nations, participating actively in Political Science Department events and acting as a liaison with the Muslim Student Association. Using his facility in Spanish and Arabic and intimate familiarity with the St. Thomas community, he is able to connect with many international students on campus in their own language, something few other St. Thomas students can do.
