2024 International Awards: Mary Hennessey

Homer Higbee International Education Award

Published: Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024   Author: Jonathan Gibson

Mary Hennessey is a 2024 recipient of the Homer Higbee International Education Award, which is presented to MSU students and volunteers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of international communication, understanding and cooperation through service.

Hennessey served as the director of the Volunteer English Tutoring Program, or VETP, at Michigan State University, where she expanded the program and recruited community members to become conversation partners and lead conversation classes. She also ran a summer coffee hour and supervised special events, such as holiday parties and potluck dinners.

During her time as a librarian at the East Lansing Public Library, she led teens in creating an international story time that promoted reading as a way to expand a child's world, which won the Bridges to Understanding Award from the United States Board of Books for Young People. Hennessey also led the LATTICE International Book Club for teachers, and was the advisor to the Cultural Awareness Club at East Lansing High School.

Hennessey received her A.M.l.S. from the University of Michigan. She and her husband live in Okemos. They enjoy visiting their son, his wife, and their two grandchildren who live in Sweden.

Hennessey was nominated by Lisa Homeniuk, a former assistant in the Office of Admissions. "In addition to the wonderful organizational and motivational skills Mary brought to the table, her warm and generous heart has attracted others to join in the mission of CVIP, serving global Spartans," said Homeniuk.