H. Paul Roberts Award for Distinguished Service in Study Abroad Programs
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EmailChristina DiFonzo, professor in the Department of Entomology, has played the champion's role in executing the study abroad program on "Sustainable Tropical Agricultural Systems in Sri Lanka," annually since 2012.
Christina DiFonzo, professor in the Department of Entomology, has played the champion’s role in executing the study abroad program on “Sustainable Tropical Agricultural Systems in Sri Lanka” annually since 2012. The program was initiated through discussions with officials of the Agriculture Education Unit of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Dr. DiFonzo’s leadership, enthusiasm, innovativeness and dedication allowed the program to run at full capacity successfully for four consecutive years. In-course and post-course evaluations she conducted with the officials of the University of Peradeniya helped the program to evolve for the betterment of the participants. The program was voted one of MSU’s “Top 10 Coolest Study Abroad Programs” by Fox 47 News, which highlights the significance and impact of the program.
DiFonzo is recipient of the 2016 H. Paul Roberts Award for Distinguished Service in Study Abroad Programs.
The sustainable agriculture program allowed students to not only learn about agriculture in the country but also develop close friendships with the people of Sri Lanka. Dr. DiFonzo is dedicated to maintaining a high-quality world-class program enabling the students to have a rich and rewarding experience abroad to add to their academic portfolios.
In addition, Dr. DiFonzo has been instrumental in designing a second study abroad program with Sri Lanka involving the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and James Madison College.
Michigan State University (MSU) consistently ranks high among American public universities in the number of students who study abroad. With the benefit of H. Paul Roberts’ guiding hand, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) figures prominently in MSU’s study abroad portfolio, with about 50 programs offered in more than 25 countries. To acknowledge Dr. Roberts’ role in the success of CANR study abroad programs and to honor him following his retirement in August 2007, the study abroad award for CANR academic staff members was named in his honor. The college gives the award to recognize CANR faculty and staff who give their time, energy and creativity to the development and implementation of study abroad programs that provide students with high-quality international education opportunities.
