Wednesday, April 16th, a group of global learning students, faculty, and friends gathered to celebrate the achievements of the past year. These distinct groups included the Global Learning Student Board, Transformation D.C. Fly-In winners, Global Learning Notable Faculty, recipients of the Micro-Credential of Interdisciplinary Research in Global Learning, recipients of the Peace Corps Prep certification, and – the highlight of the night - recipients of the Global Learning Medallion.
The evening marked a special milestone for the Global Learning Medallion program, which was officially launched in 2014, with the first graduating class being recognized in Spring 2015. The Global Learning Medallion program provides a graduation distinction to students who successfully complete a series of global learning courses and high-impact, experiential activities that allow students to increase their global fluency and other relevant career competencies.
The keynote speaker was Eric Feldman – the person who took the concept of an opt-in Global Learning program and made it into a reality while he was the manager of co-curricular programming at the Office of Global Learning Initiatives. Eric went on to work at FIU in D.C. and, for the past two years, has been a Senior Manager at the Partnership for Public Service organization in Washington, D.C. In his keynote, Eric reflected on his work managing the GL Medallion and other global learning initiatives, and where this work led him professionally.
Eric also highlighted previous GL Medallion alumni such as Prachi Lalwani, Nicole Hatton, Kyomi Cabral, Nicole Regalado, Pierina Anton, and Jakob Pardave. “I personally know about a dozen Global Learning Medallion graduates who live in DC today. Throughout my remarks, I will incorporate their stories, insights, and experiences, so that in a way, your keynote speaker is not simply Eric Feldman, but the entire FIU Global Learning community in the capital.”
Each alumnus/a gave Eric their insights into global learning, which Eric shared with the audience. Some focused on the foundation that global learning provided them, while others focused on looking ahead. Eric ended his remarks by echoing the sentiments of these alumni, “My career and my life would not be what they are today without global learning.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Eric provided a brief reflection of the evening. “It was truly a pleasure to see the continued impact of the work that the Office of Global Learning continues to do with faculty, students, families, and the community. Global learning is a lifelong home to many who experience it and I’m glad to be one member of the household.”
The Global Learning Medallion is open to all undergraduate, degree seeking students. Visit our website here to learn more or to sign up today.