Gabriel Selting Honored for Internationalization Work at UW

Undergraduate student Gabriel Selting, from Laramie, has been recognized for his international work and studies at the University of Wyoming, receiving the Undergraduate 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.

Selting is president of the International Studies Student Club at UW. He is a junior in international studies, with minors in the Honors Program, and human and animal physiology. He also received the Outstanding Freshman Award in the UW Global and Area Studies Program.

“He has turned his time at UW into a series of opportunities to engage with the world and its issues,” says David Messenger, director of the Global and Area Studies Program at UW. “He has taken the time and the opportunity to turn his enthusiasm into leadership and expand the chance for other UW students to engage with projects around the world.”

Selting’s main area of focus is the Middle East, which motivated his language study in both Arabic and French at UW. He has had opportunities to visit Israel, Haiti and France, and has interned with the Education for Peace in Iraq Center in Washington, D.C.

“While having his own views, he also maintains an open and curious mind and balanced perspective, vital qualities for anyone studying or working in foreign affairs -- and also characteristics not often seen in someone just beginning their studies,” says Gary Grappo, visiting senior scholar at UW and former ambassador to Oman.

Selting has traveled around the world and has represented UW during his journeys. This summer, he will continue his travels and his internationalization work with the State Department in the U.S. embassy in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

“Gabe is a talented young man and passionate about international education,” UW President Laurie Nichols says. “He sets a model for the value of international experiences in broadening perspectives and enhancing undergraduate studies at UW.”