Students and faculty recognized for achievement and participation at the 2026 Global Initiatives Achievement Celebration
Contact: Nicol Tinsley
VCU Global Education Office
(804) 828-6463
nctinsley@vcu.edu
Richmond, VA (April 21, 2026) — The Global Education Office held its annual Global Initiatives Achievement Celebration on Wednesday, April 7, 2026, recognizing an impressive number of Virginia Commonwealth University students, staff and faculty for international education program participation, scholarships and awards, graduation from VCU and the English Language Program and induction into the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society.
Jill Blondin, Ph.D., vice provost for global initiatives, feels the celebration acknowledges the accomplishments of the participants in international education. “This event is about celebrating the many achievements of all of our students, faculty, and staff members in international education--from research and grants to success in English language learning to scholarships and study abroad. It is truly awe-inspiring to see the breadth of these achievements at a single event,” she said.
As he gave the welcome remarks opening the program, Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., interim executive vice president and provost, remarked about how global education and engagement benefits all.
"At VCU, it is our responsibility to educate the next generation of global citizens," he said. "When we collaborate and engage with those in other cultures across the globe, we gain a better understanding of what it means to be human."
This year’s celebration recognized students, staff and faculty for achievements, participation and awards received during the 2025-26 academic year. Faculty celebrated for their service to VCU and students included education abroad short-term program leaders, members of the International Student Support Advisory Council and the International Travel Advisory Committee. Other faculty recognized were the 22 recipients of the 2025-26 Global Impact Awards, as well as the four first-time recipients of the 2026-27 Global Initiatives Leadership Awards, who were 
announced in the following categories:
- Academic Programs or Research: Jasmin Vassileva, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry in the School of Medicine
- International Partnerships and Collaborations: Elena Olson, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of information systems in the School of Business
- International Student Champion: Erin‑Marie Brown, Ph.D., director of professional development in the VCU Graduate School
- Global Learning Champion: Maurice Gattis, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Social Work
Among the students recognized were 35 English Language Program graduates who have completed the necessary program levels for English proficiency. Student speaker, Vanessa Duke Serracin from Panama, spoke to the audience as she expressed the benefits of completing the program.
“I am deeply grateful not only to the administration but also to all of our teachers who keep pushing us to be better and helping us with our individual strengths,” she said. “Looking ahead, I plan to apply everything I have learned as I pursue my degree in 
logistics, since in the world of global logistics, English is the bridge that connects continents.”
“Equipped with these skills, I will be better prepared to lead and collaborate with partners from every corner of the globe, ensuring that logistics remain a true universal language. I will carry the confidence I gained here to advocate for better international cooperation.”
Each year, the English Language Program selects a faculty member who demonstrates excellence as a valued teacher through the ELP Excellence in Teaching Award. This year, Assistant Professor Audrey Short was recognized as the recipient of this award, and gave special words of appreciation to the students she teaches.
“It is an honor to be selected for this award, especially as it is given through voluntary student nominations,” she said. “It is because of the amazing students we serve in the English Language Program (ELP) and GEO that I am standing here.”
“I see students who are not afraid to make ‘beautiful mistakes.’ Despite technology making it easy to turn in ‘perfect’ work, the vast majority of our students show the vulnerability to produce their own scholarship, reflect on their errors, and learn. This metacognition is beautiful to observe,” she said.
In addition, 230 VCU international students who are completing degrees and will graduate in May 2026, were recognized during the 
program. Representing the international graduates, Angela Vega Vega from Mexico, a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and merchandising from the VCU School of the Arts was featured as a student speaker, imparting thoughts about her four-year journey here at VCU.
Additional students acknowledged during the program included 11 international exchange students who have studied at VCU on a semester or yearlong basis, as well as four spring 2026 Peace Corps Prep Certificate recipients.
Nearly 30 students who will be studying abroad during the summer and winter breaks and fall semester were lauded for earning scholarship awards through the Presidential International Education Award; Airfare Voucher; L&L Friendship Fund; Fierro Family Italian American Cultural Association of Virginia Scholarship; and the Randi Buerlein Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship.
Another first-time award featured during the celebration was the Outstanding Global Student Leadership Award, an award given to two students who displayed extensive and exemplary experience in global leadership and engagement and who have an impact on others. The two outstanding students selected by a Global Education Office committee were Andrea Escobar Gonzalez and Naeem Ahmad.
Several other speakers were featured throughout the program to offer information about their programs, awards and experiences they have had leading up to this point. Attendees heard from speakers such as the 2026 faculty speaker, Katie Gilstrap, who spoke to the audience about the importance of facilitating the faculty-led study abroad programs and the beneficial outcomes for students. In addition, 2026 alumni speaker Carlos Eduardo Blank Moncada, a very globally engaged student while at VCU, spoke about his experiences as an international student.
The program ended with the induction of nine students into the international honor society, Phi Beta Delta.
The event was a way to allow the Global Education Office to enthusiastically acknowledge and reward the participants of its programs.