The President’s Office and Global Engagement Office honored the University of Wyoming’s 2026 Excellence in Global Engagement Award winners at a dinner in the Wildcatter Suites April 28. Pictured, from left, are UW President Ed Seidel; Mollie Hand, LeaRN Programs manager, who won the Staff Award; Christopher Akurugu, a Ph.D. candidate in hydrological science, who won the Student Award; Stephanie Anderson, a professor in the School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies, who won the Faculty Award; and Isa Helfgott, vice provost in the Global Engagement Office. (Gregory Ronco Photo)
The President’s Office and Global Engagement Office honored the University of Wyoming’s 2026 Excellence in Global Engagement Award winners at a dinner in the Wildcatter Suites in War Memorial Stadium April 28.
This year’s award winners are Christopher Akurugu, Mollie Hand and Stephanie Anderson, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing global engagement and promoting global awareness at UW.
The Excellence in Global Engagement Awards honor UW faculty, staff and students whose research, teaching and service extend well beyond our borders. Through meaningful international partnerships, globally focused scholarship and cross-cultural engagement, these individuals place UW at the forefront of efforts to strengthen human connections and address society’s most pressing global challenges.
Student Award
Akurugu, a Ph.D. candidate in hydrological science, was recognized for his global community building on campus, including leadership roles in several clubs and organizations, such as Spirit of Africa Drum Corps and International Student Partners.
Akurugu served as a global student ambassador for two semesters, providing mentorship and guidance to new international students at UW. Academically, Akurugu is an active graduate research assistant, building models and collecting data related to their research fields. He recently facilitated a connection between UW and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, strengthening UW’s academic presence in Ghana.
Akurugu was nominated by Mark Peterson, a professor of marketing and sustainable business practices, with support from Callie Berman, an assistant research scientist in the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.
Staff Award
Hand, LeaRN Programs manager, was recognized for her deep cultural engagement and global community involvement. Hand recently was awarded funding as a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) reciprocal scholar. She traveled to Indonesia to continue collaborations with Suci Armand, one of UW’s YSEALI Fellows from 2024. As part of this visit, UW signed a memorandum of understanding with the Islamic State University of Jambi.
Hand also traveled to the capital, meeting with members from Jakarta International College to discuss student recruitment opportunities for UW. An active member of the community, Hand is a prominent member of the Wyoming Gamelan music ensemble and has hosted visiting students from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, France and Germany.
Hand was nominated by April Heaney, director of LeaRN Programs, with support from Margaret McElligott, assistant director of International Students and Scholars, and Abby Lozano, a coordinator in the International Students and Scholars office.
Faculty Award
Anderson, a professor in the School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies, was recognized for her extensive global research network and institutional connections. Among her many accomplishments, Anderson is a recipient of the Seibold Professorship; has supported new exchange partnerships in France, Belgium, Ireland and Thailand; coordinated UW’s Shanghai Scholar Exchange Program; produced recent publications with partners from the Free University of Berlin; and routinely hosts international speakers at UW, including political leaders, career diplomats and renowned scholars.
In 2014, Anderson helped build a mock Berlin Wall across Prexy’s Pasture to teach students about conflict resolution and the end of the Cold War. Anderson’s international scholarship, teaching and partnerships at UW spans decades, and her award recognizes her global leadership at UW.
Anderson was nominated by Andrew Garner, a professor and head of the School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies, with support from Jean Garrison, a professor and director of the Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program, and Jim King, a professor of political science.
The Excellence in Global Engagement Awards are presented annually. Nominations for the 2027 awards will open early in the spring 2027 semester.
