Hettiarachchy and Williams Receive Appreciation Awards

The Sponsored Student Programs in the Graduate School and International Education has presented its second annual Appreciation Awards. These are presented to a faculty member and a staff member who have facilitated an aspect of the sponsored student process, encouraged and/or mentored sponsored students at the U of A and have exemplified outstanding contributions to the programs.

Navam S. Hettiarachchy, University Professor of food sciences in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, received the faculty award.

The staff award went to Liz Williams, administrative specialist in the chemistry and biochemistry department of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

Sponsored students are international students who are funded by foreign governments, the U.S. government, domestic and international agencies, private companies, or corporations. When these students complete their studies they return to their home countries and serve as important links between the United States, Arkansas, and the university in business, government, education, and industry.

Hettiarachchy and Williams were presented their awards at the Sponsored Student Recognition Dinner held last month. This event recognizes sponsored students who are graduating in the Spring or Summer terms, as well as those visiting student researchers and non-degree visiting students who will return to their home country after studying at the University of Arkansas for one term or one year.