Kansas University has been recognized for its efforts in bringing the world into the classroom.

KU was named one of five recipients of the second annual Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization from NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

“We’re in really good company,” said Hodgie Bricke, assistant dean for international programs. “It’s kind of a feather in KU’s hat.”

Other recipients of this year’s awards were Colby College in Waterville, Maine; Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y.; Howard Community College in Columbia, Md.; and the University of California-Los Angeles.

Bricke said the organization attempted to vary the size of schools awarded. Last year’s winners included Duke University, the University of North Carolina, Indiana University and Yale University.

KU’s efforts for internationalization will be featured in the organization’s publication “Internationalizing the Campus 2005.” The report, partially underwritten by the U.S. State Department, will be released this fall.

KU officials attributed the honor to several factors, including:

• The establishment of the Global Awareness Program, a certification program that awards students who participate in international experiences. The first group of students involved in the GAP program finished their degrees in December.
• More than 100 exchange agreements with foreign institutions.
• The starting of 50 new international courses in the past decade.
• Three area studies programs in Russian and East European studies, Latin American studies and East Asian studies.
• The 1,600 international students who enroll in KU annually.

“This award is a recognition of the dedication of faculty, staff, administrators and students to providing an atmosphere that prepares graduate and undergraduate students to live in a global society,” said Diana Carlin, dean of the graduate school and international programs. “KU is not only in the center of the country, we are also at the center of international activity in U.S. universities.”