Sagan Hunsaker Honored for Internationalization Achievements

Sagan Hunsaker, who has coordinated 14 international service-learning trips for University of Wyoming students, recently received UW’s award for Staff Achievement in Internationalization.

Every year, the UW International Board of Advisors and the International Programs Office recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to internationalization and the promotion of global awareness at the university.

Hunsaker is the project coordinator for alternative breaks and volunteer services with the UW Service, Leadership and Community Service (SLCE) office. UW now offers nine distinct domestic and international service-learning trips throughout the year. The alternative breaks program is a students-leading-students model that provides opportunities for students to address local and global issues through direct service and education.

“Our international service focuses on fair-trade learning, community need-based service and developing our students into global citizens,” says Hunsaker, who has coordinated alternative breaks at UW since 2012, including first-ever trips to both Europe and South America.

“Sagan is dedicated to promoting international perspectives to UW students and makes every effort she can to foster experiences to increase self-awareness of our team leaders and participants,” says Erin Olsen, Wyoming Union assistant director in the SLCE office. “She inspires students to promote UW and serve as ambassadors of this institution during their time abroad or traveling domestically.”

Hunsaker works closely with the UW International Programs Office to assure students have necessary travel visas and paperwork for their international trips, and promotes student scholarship opportunities that allow students to travel internationally during their time at UW.

“Her leadership and ability to relate to and lead students, and share with them her commitment to global perspectives and social justice, and her passion for University of Wyoming programs and students is infectious,” says Sara Noel, assistant director of Amizade, a nonprofit global service-learning organization that works with 16 partners in 12 countries.

“Sagan’s demonstrated commitment to promoting travel among students and learning about different cultures is second to none,” adds Rian Rabideau, associate director of Residence Life and Dining Services, who has worked with Hunsaker to plan spring break trips. “She has done a terrific job with the SLCE office and continually looks for ways to provide opportunities for travel and learning.”

Hunsaker, a 2006 Star Valley High School graduate in Afton, received her B.S. (2010) in communications and an M.S. (2013) in counseling, both from UW.