U-M Leaders Honored for Advancing Global Learning and Engagement

Each year, a multitude of students from the University of Michigan embark on a journey that transforms the world into their classroom. This global exploration is facilitated by a diverse range of international education opportunities that empower students through immersive experiences.

Through study abroad programs, language courses, internships, and service learning, students engage deeply with new cultures and communities. This is made possible by the dedication of U-M faculty and staff whose efforts foster a global mindset in their students.

The President’s Award for Leadership in International Education acknowledges the contributions that make these global connections possible. This year’s honorees — Cheryl Moyer, Lorenzo García-Amaya, and Scott Riggs — have played pivotal roles in enhancing global learning at the University of Michigan through program creation, securing funding, and student mentorship.

The ceremony is scheduled for September 12, from 8:30-10 a.m., at the Rogel Ballroom in the Michigan Union.

“Engaging at a global level is a cornerstone of the Michigan experience,” said U-M President Domenico Grasso. “Interacting with other cultures and nations builds intellectual capacity and empathy. I applaud the work of this year’s award recipients and how well they represent our commitment to international education.”

This year introduces two new award categories: Distinguished Service and Rising Professional. Moyer and Riggs received the Distinguished Service award, while García-Amaya is recognized as the inaugural Rising Professional, honoring the Year of Global Engagement.

Empowering the Next Generation of Global Health Leaders

Cheryl Moyer, a professor with extensive roles at the University of Michigan, has spent nearly 27 years advancing international health education. As a co-designer of the Medical School’s Global REACH unit, Moyer focuses her research on women’s health in low-resource settings, supported by over $9 million in grants.

“This award is particularly meaningful because my longtime mentor and friend, Dr. Tim Johnson, who received this honor a few years ago, passed away this May,” Moyer said. “I think of him as the godfather of global health at our university — his work in medical education in Ghana was truly transformative.”

Moyer has mentored 124 students at U-M, guiding them through international health projects across various disciplines. Her dedication to mentoring extends through the Minority and Health Disparities International Research Training Program, aiding 22 students from underrepresented backgrounds in gaining international research experience.

She has ensured that students take the lead in her work, with 75 publications featuring U-M trainees and students acting as first authors in 50 cases. “At this moment in history, it is more important than ever that we help students see beyond our borders and recognize the amazing, diverse people who comprise our world,” she said.

Reimagining Language Learning Abroad

Lorenzo García-Amaya, an associate professor of Spanish and linguistics, has significantly enhanced U-M’s global language programs since 2012. His research centers on language fluency and cognitive skills gained in immersive environments, with notable tools like the Daily Language Questionnaire.

Since 2005, García-Amaya has led 15 study abroad programs and conducted research in countries like Spain, Argentina, and South Africa. His mentoring extends to training students in conducting international research and overseeing undergraduate projects.

His award-winning project, “From Africa to Patagonia: Voices of Displacement,” links Michigan classrooms with an Afrikaans-speaking community in Argentina. As a first-generation college graduate, García-Amaya remarked, “I know firsthand how life-changing it can be to engage with the world through education.”

Bridging Borders for Commuter Students: Access for All

At UM-Dearborn, Scott Riggs has been instrumental in creating affordable study abroad options for commuter students. As director of global engagement, he co-developed the Dearborn Discovery Core Study Abroad program in Gdansk, Poland, offering nine credits at a reduced cost.

Riggs has fostered international partnerships, integrated global learning into UM-Dearborn’s strategic plan, and maintained student engagement during the pandemic through virtual exchanges.

Riggs emphasizes preparing students for a complex world through the Global Engagement office, which provides resources for addressing global challenges like climate change and systemic inequities.

“Receiving such an honor is humbling and something I will always cherish,” Riggs said. He hopes to use this recognition to further open opportunities for students and underscore the collective impact of UM-Dearborn’s work in the broader U-M community.