Carlos Garcia Santiago Receives UW Graduate Student Internationalization Award

Carlos “Uriel” García Santiago has been honored for his international work on and off campus at the University of Wyoming. He is the recipient of the Graduate Student International Excellence Award.

Each 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.

Santiago, an M.S. student in mental health counseling in the UW College of Education, works as a graduate assistant in the Service, Leadership and Community Engagement office (SLCE) at UW. He stays involved on and off campus by working with students to involve them in the Laramie community and communities abroad. In particular, he has guided students in addressing local and global issues through direct service and education.

“Carlos has demonstrated excellence in promoting global and cross-cultural awareness and internationalization on campus,” says Erin Olsen, assistant director of the Wyoming Union. “He is a strong advocate for stepping outside your comfort zone and learning about other cultures.”

Santiago works well with students of all ages. In his graduate studies, he helped multiple college students discover new opportunities. During his undergraduate career, he assisted teachers and elementary school students in Belize by helping build and develop a new school.

“During his undergraduate education, he led an international service trip to Belize,” says Mary Alice Bruce, UW Department of Professional Studies chair. “He helped local Belize teachers with English classes for elementary school kids.”

Recently, Santiago accepted more responsibility with UW’s alternative spring break program, and he has been instrumental in planning trips to Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. He teaches other student leaders to broaden their understanding and awareness of a variety of complex social and international issues.

"Uriel really embodies what internationalization means at UW, both on and off campus,” UW President Laurie Nichols says. “His international background makes him a dedicated advocate for UW across the globe, and a strong mentor for other students who wish to gain international experience.”