Ray Lagasse, assistant director of Equity, Diversity and Intercultural Programs at the University of Minnesota Morris, has received the NAFSA Region IV Distinguished Service Award.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange.
This award recognizes members of NAFSA Region IV who have donated at least 10 years of service to the organization and who have acted as mentors to colleagues in all aspects of the field. In addition, this award may recognize: professional and personal contributions to the field of international education that are beyond the normal expectations of the job; contributions of time to program for international or study abroad students or campus internationalization efforts; significant leadership at the regional or national levels; reflects the ideals and goals of NAFSA through her/his professional commitment and dedication to the field; retiring international educators who have made significant contributions in the field of international education.
Barrington Armstrong, MA, is Chair of NAFSA Region IV. He said the nomination for Ray to receive the Distinguished Service Award was compelling:
“[Ray] led our meetings with efficiency and was always very thoughtful and intentional with his approach. I remember how he often reminded me about the importance of grassroots leadership and creating a sense of community, helping others to feel a part of the project, the process, or the cause. I always found so many positive lessons in his genuine heartfelt leadership, integrity, and humility. Ray is a caring and compassionate international student advocate and has influenced and positively impacted the experiences of many students, faculty, staff, and other professional colleagues over the years. Ray has distinguished himself as a mentor, a colleague, and a friend to many in this region and upholds a keen sense of integrity and positive values in all that he does. With well over 25 years in international education, he has clearly demonstrated a commitment and dedication to the field and is very deserving of the 2022 Region IV Distinguished Service Award.”
Lagasse joined the University of Minnesota Morris staff in January 2016.