Global Education Office

Contact: Nicol Tinsley
VCU Global Education Office
(804) 828-6463
nctinsley@vcu.edu

Richmond, VA (May 30, 2025) — The Global Education Office (GEO) recently honored the achievements of nearly 300 Virginia Commonwealth University students, staff and faculty during its annual Global Initiatives Achievement Celebration on April 22, 2025. During the celebration, more than 400 students, faculty and staff members were recognized for program participation, scholarships and awards, honor society induction and graduation.

Jill Blondin, Ph.D., vice provost for global initiatives, opened the celebratory event, offering words of welcome to those being recognized, their family members and friends." At its core, international education is about hope and opportunity. By recognizing the global achievements of students, faculty, and staff, we further share the hope and opportunity, and also inspire others to become globally engaged,” she said.

Speaking about the importance of international education at VCU, Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., former provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, gave acknowledgment to the university and its strategic initiatives to increase internationalization on the campus. 

“International education is quickly growing to be a major part of VCU’s DNA. Because, to attract international students to a university like VCU, it takes a lot,” he said. “It's not just marketing VCU, publicizing, connecting the students, but also building the infrastructure to support these students to make sure they get their visas, that they get mentored.”

The program honored groups of faculty and staff who have engaged globally in a variety of ways that have advanced the university’s mission and expanded its global footprint. Recognition was given to the International Travel Advisory Committee members; Global Learning Program Development Award recipients; Global Partnership Impact awardees; and University of Oxford’s Harris Manchester College Summer Research Institute recipient.

The inaugural 2024 ELP Excellence in Teaching Award was awarded to English Language Program teacher, Laura Wilkinson, who was recognized as a teacher who inspires learning and intellectual growth, uses innovative teaching methods, has a positive influence on students’ lives, and is committed to impactful service that benefits students, faculty, and the greater community. Wilkinson was nominated by students and selected by a committee. 

During the ceremony, of students and their achievements were also recognized, representing the following groups:

• GEO’s English Language Program graduates, and award winners
• VCU’s international student graduates
• Founders of the Global Intercultural Association
• Members of GEO’s International Student Support Advisory Board
• International Travel Advisory Committee Members
• Exchange students from various VCU partner universities abroad
• Recipients of the Global Engagement & Leadership Certificate
• Peace Corps Prep certificate recipients
• Study abroad scholarship recipients

Throughout the celebration, student speakers were featured as they expressed varying experiences this past academic year. Each gave an account of how their lives were impacted during their academic journeys or experiences.

Nawaf Tamim from Saudi Arabia, earned a bachelor's degree in kinetic imaging in spring 2025 and spoke about how studying at VCU broadened his horizons as an international student as he explored diverse cultures and backgrounds among fellow students.

“Studying in the U.S. as an international student isn’t about lacking access to education back home—it’s about the privilege and responsibility of sharing culture, exchanging ideas, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds,” he said.  “At VCU, I’ve collaborated with artists and students from around the world, and together we’ve created work that reflects our global perspectives.”

“One major lesson I’ve learned is that cultural exchange goes both ways,” he said. “While I’ve learned a lot about the culture here, I’ve also had the opportunity to teach others about Saudi culture and traditions—bridging understanding through art and dialogue.”

Carmela Dallow Maurelli, an English Language Program graduate, also recognized as a English Language Program Student Engagement Awards during the ceremony, spoke about the indelible impact the ELP had on her personally.

“During my study abroad program, I immersed myself in the culture, history, and academic life at VCU,” she said. “This transformative journey broadened my horizons, encouraged my personal growth, and deeply shaped my professional path. Through interactions with diverse people and global perspectives, I developed empathy, cultural sensitivity, and essential skills for a career that transcends borders,” said Maurelli. “

“Connecting with people from different backgrounds and navigating unfamiliar environments pushed me out of my comfort zone, making me a more flexible, resourceful, and compassionate person,” she said.

Representing the study abroad programs, Jade Shull, a recipient of a Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship which allowed her to study abroad at the American College of Greece in fall 2024, spoke of the life-changing experience.

“Greece was the perfect host manager for me,” she said. “I love agriculture, food, and the language. I started an introduction to this class to learn how to do basic communication. Studying abroad was a dream come true, and I just wanted to say thanks to VCU's Studying Abroad Office for helping me do that journey.’

The program also featured Savannah Morris, a Gilman scholarship and L & L Friendship Fund scholarship recipient, who will study abroad at Yonsei University in South Korea this fall 2025.

The celebration ended with new members of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars, the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education, becoming inducted into the organization by the organization’s campus officers.