NIU's Zeta Gamma Chapter Brings Home National Awards from Annual Phi Beta Delta Conference

The Zeta Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Delta was honored at the international society’s annual conference earlier this month with two awards. The Yvonne Captain Faculty Award for Outstanding Contributions to International Education was given to J.D Bowers, associate professor of History, Coordinator of University Teacher Certification, and president-elect of Zeta Gamma Chapter.

 

L to R: Richard Deming, International President of Phi Beta Delta; J.D. Bowers associate professor of History, Coordinator of University Teacher Certification, and president-elect of Zeta Gamma Chapter; and Yvonne Captain, former Executive Director of Phi Beta Delta and the person for whom the award is named.

Congratulations Dr. Bowers, and thank you for your outstanding contribution to Global NIU!

 NIU’s Zeta Gamma chapter was also honored with the Eileen Evans Overall Outstanding Chapter Award. This award signifies the strongest contributions to international education by a Phi Beta Delta Chapter over the preceding year. According to Dr. Deb Pierce, Chapter Coordinator, “Zeta Gamma Chapter and Phi Beta Delta play a significant role in the comprehensive internationalization process at NIU, because through the Society we are able to recognize and thank those faculty, staff and students who make Global NIU a reality. It's wonderful to see these efforts gaining national and international notice.”

Congratulations Zeta Gamma chapter and especially to Christopher M. Jones, who was president of our chapter for the period of time acknowledged by this outstanding award!

L to R: J.D. Bowers, president-elect of Zeta Gamma Chapter; Christopher M. Jones, Associate Vice Provost for University Honors and Past President of Zeta Gamma Chapter; International President Richard Deming; Deborah Pierce, Associate Provost for the NIU Division of International Programs and Zeta Gamma Chapter Coordinator

2nd Annual Spring Lecture Series Presents George A. Lopez

Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars, the Division of International Programs, and the University Honors Program proudly sponsored their 2nd Annual Spring Lecture Series by bringing George A. Lopez, the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., Professor of Peace Studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame to NIU to speak about "Liberating Libya, Strangling Syria: Intervening for Human Rights and Protection"  on Thursday, March 29, 2012.

Dr. Lopez visted our campus to discuss the current situation in Syria as it relates to the international issues of state sovereignty and the what role global institutions are expected to play if, as some analysts and diplomats believe, the era of state sovereignty is coming to an end. He was met by a large and captive audience for his lecture.  His experience in the realm of international relations and diplomacy was evident to all in attendance as he discussed difficult issues such as the international rights and responsibilities to protect innocent people in times of violent conflict while still respecting the values of national sovereignty. In these situations, Dr. Lopez said “cheats, scoundrels and genociders often win,” but it is the goal of international bodies to ensure that there are consequences to their actions.



Pictured:  Deborah Pierce, Associate Provost, International Programs and Chapter Coordinator, Zeta Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Delta; Guest Lecturer, George A. Lopez; Christopher M. Jones, Director, University Honors Program and Past President, Zeta Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Delta; and J.D. Bowers, University Coordinator of Teacher Certification and President-Elect, Zeta Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Delta



Professor Lopez has been featured by numerous national news sources, such as CNN, the New York Times, and the Chicago Tribune. Here are some links to his previous appearances:

 

George A. Lopez on CNN (via Skype interview) on the crisis in Syria and sanctions.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2012/02/01/bs-lopez-syria-violence.cnn

George A. Lopez, quoted by UNBureau Chief Neil MacFarquar, in the NYT: Russia Stands in the Way of UN Call for Assad to Step Down

And in the Chicago Tribune Senators weigh further measures on Iran sanctions

And quoted in Reuters: "Analysis: Oil report may offer Obama an out on Iran." http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/31/us-iran-eia-idUSTRE80U24120120131

 

Spring Student Fulbright Workshop at NIU

How would you like the opportunity to spend a year teaching English in another country? How about the opportunity to have a whole year’s worth of international research funding? How would you like to belong to an elite group of individuals who can proudly call themselves Fulbright Alumni?  The opportunity is yours!

Join us Wednesday, April 18, 2012, from 3-4:30 pm in the Illinois Room at the Holmes Student Center to learn more about U.S. Student Fulbright Grant opportunities, and how you can apply to become NIU’s next Fulbright recepient. NIU Campus Fulbright advisor Dr. Deb Pierce will be in attendance to speak about the U.S. Student Fulbright program and answer all of your questions.

Past participants in the U.S. Student Fulbright program have called it a “life-changing experience.” Come see for yourself what a year abroad could mean for you, and your future!

For more information, visit http://www.niu.edu/international/fulbright/index.shtml or http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html.  If you are unable to attend the workshop please call to set up an appointment by calling Sarah at 815-753-9526 or slindell@niu.edu.