AIEA Awards
The AIEA awards honor leaders who are advancing internationalization and strengthening global engagement in higher education. Each year, we recognize exceptional individuals, initiatives, and emerging professionals whose work and impact is shaping the future of global education.
Pictured (L-R): AIEA Past President Hilary Kahn and 2026 Charles Klasek Award recipient Gil Latz.
2026 recipient: Gil Latz (View Announcement)
Charles Klasek Award
Each year AIEA presents the Charles Klasek Award at the Annual Conference. “Chuck” Klasek was a founding member of AIEA from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and served as its third president. In addition to being a real leader in the founding of AIEA, Chuck was an excellent example of an effective international education administrator. He took on many tasks within AIEA including, in 1992, the editing and publication of Bridges to the Future: Strategies for Internationalizing Higher Education.
When Chuck passed, the Executive Committee felt that a fitting tribute to his outstanding service to AIEA and to the field of International Education Administration would be to present an annual award in his name. The single criterion for the award is that the recipient should have given long-term and outstanding service to the field of International Education.
Charles Klasek Award
Each year AIEA presents the Charles Klasek Award at the Annual Conference. “Chuck” Klasek was a founding member of AIEA from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and served as its third president. In addition to being a real leader in the founding of AIEA, Chuck was an excellent example of an effective international education administrator. He took on many tasks within AIEA including, in 1992, the editing and publication of Bridges to the Future: Strategies for Internationalizing Higher Education.
When Chuck passed, the Executive Committee felt that a fitting tribute to his outstanding service to AIEA and to the field of International Education Administration would be to present an annual award in his name. The single criterion for the award is that the recipient should have given long-term and outstanding service to the field of International Education.
Pictured (L-R): AIEA Past President Hilary Kahn and 2026 Charles Klasek Award recipient Gil Latz.
2026 recipient: Gil Latz (View Announcement)
Learn More and Nominate →
Pictured (L-R): AIEA Board member Philipp Reichert; Maggie Mahoney, representative for The 2026 Harold Josephson Award for Professional Promise in International Education recipient, Andie Beer.
2026 recipient: Andie Beer (View Announcement)
The Harold Josephson Award for Professional Promise in International Education
Each year, AIEA presents Harold Josephson Awards to deserving graduate students who are making a significant contribution to the field of international education. The awardee may be at the masters or doctoral level, in any disciplinary area. The award recognizes emerging leadership in international education, as evidenced by the students’ graduate study, involvement in international education initiatives, research related to international education, and/or other relevant contributions.
This award was established to honor the memory of Dr. Josephson, a long-time leader in AIEA and Assoc. Vice Chancellor of International Programs at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, who passed in 1998. The award includes a $1,000 travel grant to attend the annual conference of AIEA, complimentary conference registration, and an opportunity for the winner to report on her/his contribution to international education to the conference attendees. The recipients of the Harold Josephson Award will also be included in the conference program and recognized during the annual conference.
The Harold Josephson Award for Professional Promise in International Education
This award was established to honor the memory of Dr. Josephson, a long-time leader in AIEA and Assoc. Vice Chancellor of International Programs at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, who passed in 1998. The award includes a $1,000 travel grant to attend the annual conference of AIEA, complimentary conference registration, and an opportunity for the winner to report on her/his contribution to international education to the conference attendees. The recipients of the Harold Josephson Award will also be included in the conference program and recognized during the annual conference.
2026 recipient: Andie Beer (View Announcement)
Learn More and Nominate →
Pictured (L-R): 2026 Harold Josephson Student Professional Award Recipient Iulia Mirzac; AIEA Board member Fabiola Riobé.
2026 recipient: Iulia Mirzac (View Announcement)
The Harold Josephson Student Award for Professional Promise in International Education
Each year, AIEA presents Harold Josephson Awards to deserving graduate students who are making a significant contribution to the field of international education. The awardee may be at the masters or doctoral level, in any disciplinary area. The award recognizes emerging leadership in international education, as evidenced by the students’ graduate study, involvement in international education initiatives, research related to international education, and/or other relevant contributions.
This award was established to honor the memory of Dr. Josephson, a long-time leader in AIEA and Assoc. Vice Chancellor of International Programs at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, who passed in 1998. The award includes a $1,000 travel grant to attend the annual conference of AIEA, complimentary conference registration, and an opportunity for the winner to report on her/his contribution to international education to the conference attendees. The recipients of the Harold Josephson Award will also be included in the conference program and recognized during the annual conference.
The Harold Josephson Student Award for Professional Promise in International Education
Each year, AIEA presents Harold Josephson Awards to deserving graduate students who are making a significant contribution to the field of international education. The awardee may be at the masters or doctoral level, in any disciplinary area. The award recognizes emerging leadership in international education, as evidenced by the students’ graduate study, involvement in international education initiatives, research related to international education, and/or other relevant contributions.
This award was established to honor the memory of Dr. Josephson, a long-time leader in AIEA and Assoc. Vice Chancellor of International Programs at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, who passed in 1998. The award includes a $1,000 travel grant to attend the annual conference of AIEA, complimentary conference registration, and an opportunity for the winner to report on her/his contribution to international education to the conference attendees. The recipients of the Harold Josephson Award will also be included in the conference program and recognized during the annual conference.
Pictured (L-R): 2026 Harold Josephson Student Professional Award Recipient Iulia Mirzac; AIEA Board member Fabiola Riobé.
2026 recipient: Iulia Mirzac (View Announcement)
Learn More and Nominate →
Pictured (L-R): 2026 Timothy J. Rutenber Award Recipient Judith Pennywell; AIEA Board Member Tonija Hope.
2026 Recipient: Judith Pennywell (View Announcement)
Timothy J. Rutenber Award
The Timothy J. Rutenber Award is an award established to honor AIEA members who have rendered long-term and outstanding service to the Association. This occasional award is named for the late Timothy J. Rutenber, who served as Director of the Secretariat and Treasurer of AIEA until his death in 2004.
An associate member of AIEA since 1992, Rutenber was an outstanding manager of the day-to-day affairs of AIEA and a wise steward of the Association’s resources. His work on behalf of AIEA epitomizes the ideal of service excellence. In his name, awardees will be recognized at the Annual Conference for truly exceptional service of long duration to AIEA. To be eligible, nominees must be current AIEA members and have been actively involved in AIEA for more than five years.
Timothy J. Rutenber Award
The Timothy J. Rutenber Award is an award established to honor AIEA members who have rendered long-term and outstanding service to the Association. This occasional award is named for the late Timothy J. Rutenber, who served as Director of the Secretariat and Treasurer of AIEA until his death in 2004.
An associate member of AIEA since 1992, Rutenber was an outstanding manager of the day-to-day affairs of AIEA and a wise steward of the Association’s resources. His work on behalf of AIEA epitomizes the ideal of service excellence. In his name, awardees will be recognized at the Annual Conference for truly exceptional service of long duration to AIEA. To be eligible, nominees must be current AIEA members and have been actively involved in AIEA for more than five years.
Pictured (L-R): 2026 Timothy J. Rutenber Award Recipient Judith Pennywell; AIEA Board Member Tonija Hope.
2026 Recipient: Judith Pennywell (View Announcement)
Learn More and Nominate →
Pictured (L to R): Elizabeth Langridge-Noti, Director of Global Research & Academic Programs, UC San Diego; AIEA Treasurer David Fleshler; Alysson Satterlund, Vice Chancellor, UC San Diego; Tamara Cunningham, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Global Initiatives, UC San Diego.
2026 Recipient: University of California, San Diego (View Announcement)
The Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award
Internationalization leaders work tirelessly, often with limited financial and overall institutional support, but always with passion, vision and commitment to meeting their institution’s mission and goals. Some of this work is more than just effective; it includes initiatives that are outstanding, inspirational, and replicable.
The Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award recognizes a specific replicable initiative advancing internationalization. It is an updated iteration of AIEA’s Innovation Award in Internationalization launched in 2015, and is informed by the current complexities and opportunities in internationalization.
The goals of this updated award are intentionally aligned with inspirational and creative leadership in advancing comprehensive internationalization and with the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award
Internationalization leaders work tirelessly, often with limited financial and overall institutional support, but always with passion, vision and commitment to meeting their institution’s mission and goals. Some of this work is more than just effective; it includes initiatives that are outstanding, inspirational, and replicable.
The Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award recognizes a specific replicable initiative advancing internationalization. It is an updated iteration of AIEA’s Innovation Award in Internationalization launched in 2015, and is informed by the current complexities and opportunities in internationalization.
The goals of this updated award are intentionally aligned with inspirational and creative leadership in advancing comprehensive internationalization and with the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Pictured (L to R): Elizabeth Langridge-Noti, Director of Global Research & Academic Programs, UC San Diego; AIEA Treasurer David Fleshler; Alysson Satterlund, Vice Chancellor, UC San Diego; Tamara Cunningham, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Global Initiatives, UC San Diego.
2026 Recipient: University of California, San Diego (View Announcement)
Learn More and Nominate →
Pictured: AIEA Board Member Patricia Céspedes Sánchez; David Di Maria, Vice Provost for Global Engagement; and colleagues from UMBC.
2026 Recipient: University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
The Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award
Internationalization leaders work tirelessly, often with limited financial and overall institutional support, but always with passion, vision and commitment to meeting their institution’s mission and goals. Some of this work is more than just effective; it includes initiatives that are outstanding, inspirational, and replicable.
The Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award recognizes a specific replicable initiative advancing internationalization. It is an updated iteration of AIEA’s Innovation Award in Internationalization launched in 2015, and is informed by the current complexities and opportunities in internationalization.
The goals of this updated award are intentionally aligned with inspirational and creative leadership in advancing comprehensive internationalization and with the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award
Internationalization leaders work tirelessly, often with limited financial and overall institutional support, but always with passion, vision and commitment to meeting their institution’s mission and goals. Some of this work is more than just effective; it includes initiatives that are outstanding, inspirational, and replicable.
The Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award recognizes a specific replicable initiative advancing internationalization. It is an updated iteration of AIEA’s Innovation Award in Internationalization launched in 2015, and is informed by the current complexities and opportunities in internationalization.
The goals of this updated award are intentionally aligned with inspirational and creative leadership in advancing comprehensive internationalization and with the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Pictured: AIEA Board Member Patricia Céspedes Sánchez; David Di Maria, Vice Provost for Global Engagement; and colleagues from UMBC.
2026 Recipient: University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
Learn More and Nominate →
Pictured (L-R): Basma Zeidan, Director, Office of International Programs, The American University of Beirut; Presidential Leadership Award Recipient Representative, Lina Choueiri, Deputy Provost of The American University of Beirut; and Presidential Ambassadors Council Chair, Carolyn Stefanco. (Below): Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, President of American University of Beirut
2026 Recipient: Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri (View Announcement)
Award for Presidential Leadership in Internationalization
The Award for Presidential Leadership in Internationalization serves as an important recognition of the pivotal role college and university presidents (and their equivalent titles in other countries) play in advancing global engagement within higher education across the world. By highlighting exceptional leaders in this field, the award encourages other leaders (and their institutions) to prioritize comprehensive internationalization and invest in its implementation. Additionally, the award fosters a sense of community and collaboration among presidents, enabling the sharing of best practices and the dissemination of innovative strategies for cultivating globally oriented campuses. By acknowledging university presidents who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to this mission, the award aims to inspire and motivate other leaders in the field, ultimately contributing to the development of globally engaged and culturally competent institutions and society.
The Award for Presidential Leadership in Internationalization is a prestigious accolade designed to recognize and honor university presidents who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing internationalization within their respective institutions. The award acknowledges recipients who have exemplified leadership in multiple facets of comprehensive internationalization. Additionally, the award places great emphasis on the demonstration of global mindedness at both the institutional and professional levels, emphasizing the critical role of university leaders as individuals in fostering a globally engaged higher education environment.
Award for Presidential Leadership in Internationalization
The Award for Presidential Leadership in Internationalization serves as an important recognition of the pivotal role college and university presidents (and their equivalent titles in other countries) play in advancing global engagement within higher education across the world. By highlighting exceptional leaders in this field, the award encourages other leaders (and their institutions) to prioritize comprehensive internationalization and invest in its implementation. Additionally, the award fosters a sense of community and collaboration among presidents, enabling the sharing of best practices and the dissemination of innovative strategies for cultivating globally oriented campuses. By acknowledging university presidents who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to this mission, the award aims to inspire and motivate other leaders in the field, ultimately contributing to the development of globally engaged and culturally competent institutions and society.
The Award for Presidential Leadership in Internationalization is a prestigious accolade designed to recognize and honor university presidents who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing internationalization within their respective institutions. The award acknowledges recipients who have exemplified leadership in multiple facets of comprehensive internationalization. Additionally, the award places great emphasis on the demonstration of global mindedness at both the institutional and professional levels, emphasizing the critical role of university leaders as individuals in fostering a globally engaged higher education environment.
Pictured (L-R): 2026 Timothy J. Rutenber Award Recipient Judith Pennywell; AIEA Board Member Tonija Hope.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri (View Announcement)
Learn More and Nominate →
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