Winners of the 2016 Hoyt H. Purvis and Collis R. Geren awards for excellence in international education and graduate education will be honored at a recognition ceremony at noon today in the Gearhart Hall Courtyard.

This is the inaugural year for the Hoyt H. Purvis award. The award was established to honor Purvis, a longtime University of Arkansas professor of journalism and international relations. Purvis was selected as the first recipient of his namesake's award to recognize his contributions to and advocacy for international education at the University of Arkansas.

The Collis R. Geren award is given to faculty and staff members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to graduate education. The award was initiated in 2010 in honor of Geren, who served as the dean of the U of A Graduate School for nearly 20 years.

The Collis R. Geren university faculty award recipient is John Norwood, professor of accounting in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Norwood is being honored for his service as a mentor, friend, advocate and champion of students. One of the ways his unwavering commitment to students is made evident is by his continuous service as the announcer of graduate names at the All-University Commencement ceremony. He has dedicated himself to this arduous task for many years and carries it out with a true sense of joy and enthusiasm.

Joe Euculano, director of development initiatives in University Development, is the Collis R. Geren university staff award winner. Euculano is the first official development officer for the Graduate School and International Education. In his role, he formed an advisory committee and strategic plan for identifying alumni, organized development activities and traveled the country to meet alumni and potential donors. Though Euculano is retiring later this year, the foundation for development he has created will be critical for the unit moving forward.

Kim London is the recipient of the Collis R. Geren Graduate School and International Education staff award. She is being recognized for her outstanding leadership and initiative in facilitating the transition to new technologies in graduate and international admissions. Her continued diligence in seeking increased efficiencies in the workflow is immeasurable. She is a creative troubleshooter, a patient trainer and is dedicated to the unit goals of accuracy and customer service. London's efforts have been a key factor in enhancing graduate and international admissions' service and outreach to students, faculty and staff.

All members of the campus community are welcome to attend the recognition ceremony.