The University of Wyoming honored its 2026 Excellence in Global Engagement Award winners at a dinner hosted by the President’s Office and Global Engagement Office on April 28.
The awards recognize faculty, staff, and students who have made significant contributions to advancing global engagement and promoting international awareness at the university. Recipients are selected for their research, teaching, service, and efforts that extend beyond national borders through international partnerships and cross-cultural initiatives.
This year’s awardees include Christopher Akurugu, a Ph.D. candidate in hydrological science; Mollie Hand, LeaRN Programs manager; and Stephanie Anderson, professor in the School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies. Each was recognized for unique achievements supporting global connections at UW.
Akurugu received the Student Award for his leadership roles in campus organizations such as Spirit of Africa Drum Corps and International Student Partners. He served as a global student ambassador mentoring new international students and helped connect UW with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. Akurugu was nominated by Mark Peterson with support from Callie Berman.
Hand earned the Staff Award for her cultural engagement both locally and abroad. She recently traveled to Indonesia as a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative reciprocal scholar to continue collaborations with Suci Armand from UW’s YSEALI Fellows program. During this visit, UW signed an agreement with Islamic State University of Jambi. Hand also met with Jakarta International College representatives about recruitment opportunities for UW. She is active in community music ensembles and has hosted visiting students from several countries. Hand was nominated by April Heaney with support from Margaret McElligott and Abby Lozano.
Anderson received the Faculty Award for her extensive work building global research networks and institutional partnerships across multiple countries including France, Belgium, Ireland, Thailand, Germany, China—and her coordination of exchange programs such as Shanghai Scholar Exchange Program. Anderson’s efforts include hosting international speakers at UW; she also led educational activities like constructing a mock Berlin Wall to teach conflict resolution history on campus. Her nomination came from Andrew Garner with support from Jean Garrison and Jim King.
The Excellence in Global Engagement Awards are presented annually at UW to highlight individuals who help strengthen human connections globally while addressing pressing challenges facing society.