GSIE Recognizes Faculty, Staff and Students at International Awards Ceremony

University of Arkansas students, faculty and staff were recognized for their commitment to international education during an awards ceremony Nov. 21 as part of International Education Week.

The event, held in the Graduate Student Lounge at Gearhart Hall, recognized this year's Hoyt Purvis Award winners, as well as student who earned awards and scholarships related to international education.

Hoyt Purvis Awards

The Hoyt Purvis Awards for Service in International Education recognize a university faculty member, a university staff member and a staff member of the Graduate School and International Education for their outstanding service to the field of international education. The award is named in honor of Hoyt Purvis, a university professor who transformed international education at the U of A who passed away in 2023.

This year's winners were:

• University Faculty Member: Erika Almenara, associate professor and director for comparative literature and cultural studies
• University Staff Member: Izzo Ahmed, cultural programming coordinator in the Multicultural Center
• Graduate School and International Education Staff Member: Francesco Bedeschi, director of the University of Arkansas Rome Center

Erika Almenara holding her certificate.

Erika Almenara

Almenara has taught at the U of A since 2015, beginning as an assistant professor. Originally from Peru, Almenara teaches courses related to Latin American cultural studies, where she utilizes innovative methods to deepen her students' cultural competencies.  

"In courses such as Latin America Today, students interview specialists working in places like El corte Inglés, the local news, and the field of social-environmental sciences," her nomination letter stated. "These interviews bring students closer to the different dimensions of the Latin American reality as to broaden their horizons while they deepen their knowledge of particular cultures and political, economic, and social contexts."

In 2024, Almenara also served as associate director of the Latin American and Latino Studies Program, where she organized events and talks related to contemporary political and social issue in Latin America. In 2023, she was a Fulbright Senior Scholar and traveled to Lima, Peru for five months to teach a course in the prestigious Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru and conduct research for her new research monograph. While in Peru, Dr. Almenara connected with scholars that later worked with students from the U of A's Honors College who traveled to Peru to conduct research.

Izzo Ahmed

As cultural programming coordinator for the Multicultural Center, Ahmed assists in organizing and facilitating events for the center that not only educate the campus community but also foster empathy, dialogue, and cross-cultural understanding.

"As Cultural Programming Coordinator for the Multicultural Center, Izzo has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to creating inclusive spaces where students from diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered," his nomination letter stated. "He intentionally cultivates environments where students can express their authentic selves, share their unique perspectives, and connect both with peers of similar backgrounds and with students from other underrepresented or minoritized communities."

Ahmed is also instrumental in supporting new international students as they transition to study at the U of A, actively connecting them to vital campus resources and introducing them to networks that help them find community and belonging.

"His dedication ensures that students are not only welcomed but also positioned to thrive academically, socially, and personally," the nomination letter stated. "Through his vision, compassion, and leadership, Izzo exemplifies the very mission of international education—building bridges across cultures and advancing mutual understanding among peoples of all nations. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both the University of Arkansas and the broader Fayetteville community."

Francesco Bedeschi

Bedeschi serves as the director of the University of Arkansas Rome Center, where he leads the university's remote campus in Italy serving more than 400 study abroad students each year.

"Francesco has exemplified outstanding service and leadership in international education through his tireless commitment to the intellectual, cultural, and personal growth of students studying in Rome," his nomination letter stated. "Under his guidance, students experience the city's rich history, culture, heritage, art, and architecture firsthand, using Rome itself as a living laboratory to examine both historical and contemporary contexts."

Additionally, Bedeschi supports Rome Center faculty in their academic endeavors to strengthen the center's reputation as the university's intellectual hub in the Mediterranean, such as the Annual International Women in the Arts Conference. He also assists Fayetteville-based faculty in international projects, such as Peter MacKeith's work with the Venice Biennale of Architecture and the U.S. Pavilion. Bedeschi also proactively seeks opportunities for U of A students to engage with the local community, such as the Mani Green Project, and connects them with influential Romans, including architect and computational designer Arturo Tedeschi.

He also organizes site visits to locales such as Vetreria d'Arte Giuliani, one of Rome's oldest artistic glass studios, as well as immersive overnight trips like hiking excursions in the Dolomites.

"Through these initiatives, Francesco fosters meaningful intercultural engagement, intellectual growth, and a profound appreciation for global citizenship among University of Arkansas students," his nomination letter stated.

Student Awards

Additionally, 15 students were honored during the ceremony for receiving awards or scholarships:

• Above and Beyond Cross-Cultural Mentor Award: Amir Shadjou
• Above and Beyond Orientation Ambassador Award: Sylvia Chapin
• Outstanding Conversation Coaching Team Award: Russ Breshears and Jack Barnes
• Above and Beyond International Culture Team Core Leader Awards: Eva Stephani Caroline and Gertrude Dotse Bampoe
• Henley Family Advance Arkansas Study Abroad Experience Endowed Scholarship: Cinthia Aguilar and Carlos Zamora
• Kristen Collier Wright International Education and Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship: Daniel Martinez
• Nathan "Kitt" Rom Memorial Study Abroad Scholarship: Emma Bauman, Amanda Benzenhafer, James Atkins, Mandy Hong, Pedro Najera, and Luis Ramos