Since the launch of its internationalisation strategy in 2013, the University of Calgary has launched international research sites, secured funding for international development and established collaborative degree models, earning it the CBIE Award for Comprehensive Internationalisation.

“Professor Symons’ story is interlinked with the story of CBIE”

“This is the award that all of us as international directors aspire to, so this is a significant achievement,” commented Katie Orr, a member of CBIE’s board of directors, presenting the award at its 50th anniversary annual conference this month.

“The University of Calgary embodies internationalisation as an institution aiming to become a global intellectual hub,” she added.

“The university has demonstrated in a short amount of time tremendous success and outcomes linked to the success of its strategy.”

The Founders Award was presented to Thomas Symons, former founding president of Trent University and chairman of the Commission on Canadian Studies.

His contributions to the field also include work on the Commonwealth Standing Committee on Student Mobility, chairmanship of the International Board of United World Colleges and chairmanship of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

“Professor Symons’ story is interlinked with the story of the Canadian Bureau for International Education… and over many years he has continued to work in support of CBIE,” observed the association’s CEO and president, Karen McBride.

“It is an absolute honour to recognise tonight his numerous and rich contributions among so many dedicated colleagues, whose professional lives we know have benefited from his careful and creative foundational work in the field of international education, and his foundational work in the growth of CBIE.”

This year’s award recipients also include Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, vice chancellor at the University of Prince Edward Island, who created the university’s first International Development Relations Office and helped to significantly increase both international student recruitment and study abroad opportunities at the institution, winning the President’s Award for Distinguished Leadership in International Education.

For a full list of the CBIE Excellence Awards 2016 winners and further details, click here.