Scott Fitzgerald, associate professor of sociology, is the 2016 recipient of the International Education Faculty Award, presented at the 22nd annual International Education Celebration.
A UNC Charlotte faculty member since 2003, Fitzgerald was instrumental in providing leadership to the Global Village Learning Community (GVLC). He collaborated with students to ensure they completed 40 hours of service learning with a variety of local organizations, including those that work with immigrant and international populations.
In addition, he established a Habitat for Humanity Study Abroad program in El Salvador. This program combines experiential and international learning; it showcases the development of an intellectual community as the students spend time touring museums and learning about global poverty and community.
“I have had countless students over the years tell me details about Dr. Fitzgerald’s teaching and how he challenges and inspires them. Dr. Fitzgerald has a passion for teaching and global awareness that students appreciate and to which they respond,” said Stephanie Moller, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology.
Fitzgerald received a plaque and a $2,000 stipend, presented by Dianna Rowan, social work, and Joël Gallegos, assistant provost for international programs.
During the celebration, scholarship recipients and writing competition winners were acknowledged.
Mary Elizabeth Moore, a graduate student in Latin American studies, received the Student International Education Award in honor of her contributions to and involvement with international programs at UNC Charlotte.
Serena Greene, a psychology major; Keyao Wang, a finance major; and Maria Zubillaga, an architecture major; received the Morrow International Undergraduate Student Scholarship. This $1,000 award is intended for an international degree-seeking undergraduate of the University. Eligible applicants must be junior as of January during the year in which they apply; transfer students must be enrolled at UNC Charlotte for at least one semester.
Winners of the International Graduate Student Scholarship were Coline Dony (geography) and Abhilash Patni, (engineering management). Recipients receive $1,000.
Yu-Chen Hsu, a graduate student in electrical engineering; Juliana Martins Imperador, English Language Training Institute; and Meghan Shea, an undergraduate student in political science and public administration; won the Crossing Borders Writing Competition, sponsored by the Mu chapter of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars, the Office of International Programs and the UNC Charlotte International Club.
Undergraduate students Lauren Lee (biology) and Lamia Suko (political science) and graduate students Kyle McLain (history) and Laura Myers (business administration) received honorable mention in the writing contest.