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2024 Recipients

2024 International Awards: Rochisshil Varma

Homer Higbee International Education Award

 

Published: Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024   Author: Jonathan Gibson

 

Headshot of Rochisshil Varma
Rochisshil Varma

Rochisshil Varma 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.

Varma graduated in 2024 with a B.S. in applied engineering sciences with a concentration in supply chain management. He also served as president of the International Students Association (ISA), where he focused on enhancing the experience of international students and nurturing a supportive and vibrant community through advocacy, cultural exchange and peer support.

In addition to his role with ISA, Varma was actively involved with other campus organizations, including the Society of Applied Engineering Sciences (SAES) within the College of Engineering and the Interdisciplinary Supply Chain Research Organization (ISCRO) in the Broad College of Business. With an interest in data analytics and visualization, alongside a passion for supply chain management, Varma is excited to continue his professional journey at Levi Strauss & Co. as a planning analyst.

 

“Embracing global engagement enriches my perspective, bridging diverse cultures and ideas to inspire collaborative solutions for a more interconnected and understanding world.” - Rochisshil Varma

 

Varma was nominated by Meaghan Kozar, project manager for the Inclusive Campus Initiative. "Rochisshil is an outstanding student leader who cares deeply about the international community and ensuring their student success at Michigan State University and beyond," said Kozar.

 

2026 Award Recipients

 

Wei Liao

Wei Liao

Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and Director of MSU Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center 

 

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and College of Engineering

 

Ralph H. Smuckler Award for Advancing International Studies and Programs at MSU

Armando Benitez

Armando Benitez

Chief Data and Analytics Officer & Head of AI, Bank of Montreal — Capital Markets

 

Ph.D., Physics (2009); M.A., Physics (2004)

 

Joon S. Moon Distinguished International Alumni Award

Max Olivero

Max Olivero

Assistant Director of Global Support Services, Undergraduate Academic Services

 

Eli Broad College of Business

 

MSU Award for Outstanding Service to Education Abroad

Paul Balas

Paul Balas

Executive in Residence

 

Dean's Office, Eli Broad College of Business

 

Charles A. Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy

Tom Almer

Thomas Almer

Community Volunteer

 

Volunteer English Tutoring Program

 

Homer Higbee International Education Award

Jana Woerner

Jana Woerner

Ph.D. Student, Integrative Biology and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

 

College of Natural Science

 

Homer Higbee International Education Award

Alaina Bur

Alaina Bur

Assistant Director, Center for Gender in Global Context

 

International Studies and Programs

 

Gill-Chin Lim Award for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Global Studies

Steven Pueppke

Steven G. Pueppke

Professor Emeritus and Senior Scientist, Asia Hub

 

International Studies and Programs

 

Special Recognition Award for Promoting International Understanding

Songqing Jin

Songqing Jin

Professor, Agricultural Food and Resource Economics

 

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Carl K. Eicher International Development Award

Leonora Paula

Leonora Souza Paula

Assistant Professor, English

 

College of Arts and Letters

 

John K. Hudzik Emerging Leader in Advancing International Studies and Programs

Zahrah Resh

Zahrah Resh

Artist

 

Zahrah Resh Studio, LLC

 

Glen L. Taggart Award for Community Contributions to International Understanding

Steve Hanson

Steve Hanson

Vice Provost and Dean Emeritus

 

International Studies & Programs

 

Dean's Global Impact Award