2026 MSU International Awards to recognize leaders making a global difference

Michigan State University named 12 recipients of the 2026 International Awards, presented by International Studies and Programs. The annual awards ceremony is in its 36th year and recognizes individuals whose work and service embody MSU’s mission to advance knowledge and transform lives across the globe.

The ceremony and reception are scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Thursday, April 16 in the MSU Multicultural Center. The event welcomes all members of the MSU community who share a commitment to global understanding and impact.

“Each of this year’s awardees exemplifies the very best of MSU’s global engagement,” said Titus Awokuse, vice provost and dean for International Studies and Programs.

“Through innovative research, meaningful partnerships and sustained collaboration across borders, they advance our international mission in ways that create lasting impact. Their work not only strengthens communities across the world but also enriches our campus and prepares our students to lead and succeed in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.”

The 2026 International Award and recipients are:​​​​​​

MSU Award for Outstanding Service to Education Abroad

• MAX OLIVERO, assistant director of global support services, Undergraduate Academic Services, Eli Broad College of Business

Homer Higbee International Education Award

• THOMAS ALMER, community volunteer, Volunteer English Tutoring Program 
• JANA WOERNER, Ph.D. student, Integrative Biology and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, College of Natural Science

Ralph H. Smuckler Award for Advancing International Studies and Programs at MSU

• WEI LIAO, professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and director of the MSU Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and College of Engineering

John K. Hudzik Emerging Leader in Advancing International Studies and Programs

• LEONORA SOUZA PAULA, assistant professor, English, College of Arts and Letters

Charles A Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy

• PAUL M. BALAS, executive in residence, Dean's Office, Eli Broad College of Business

Carl K. Eicher International Development Award

• SONGQING JIN, professor, Agricultural Food and Resource Economics, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Special Recognition Award for Promoting International Understanding

• STEVEN G. PUEPPKE, professor emeritus and senior scientist, Asia Hub, International Studies and Programs

Gil-Chin Lim Award for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Global Studies

• ALAINA BUR, assistant director, Center for Gender in Global Context, International Studies and Programs

Glen L. Taggart Award for Community Contributions to International Understanding

• ZAHRAH RESH, artist, Zahrah Resh Studio, LLC

Joon S. Moon Distinguished Alumni Award

• ARMANDO BENITEZ, PhD. Physics (2009), M.A. Physics (2004); Chief data and analytics officer & head of AI, Bank of Montreal – Capital Markets

Dean’s Global Impact Award

• STEVEN HANSON, vice provost and dean emeritus, International Studies and Programs