Michigan State University has named nine recipients of the 2025 MSU International Awards, presented by International Studies and Programs. Now in its 35th year, the International Awards program recognizes individuals whose work and service embody MSU’s mission to advance knowledge and transform lives across the globe.
“This year’s honorees reflect the many unique ways Spartans make a global impact—from longtime researchers and educators to emerging leaders who are just beginning their international journeys,” said Titus Awokuse, vice provost and dean for International Studies and Programs. “Together, they represent values at the heart of MSU’s global engagement: collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to making a positive difference across borders and cultures.”
ISP will celebrate the winners at the 2025 MSU International Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 17 at 3:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. The event welcomes all members of the MSU community who share a commitment to global understanding and impact.
2025 International Award Recipients:
Ralph H. Smuckler Award for Advancing International Studies and Programs at MSU
Kay E. Holekamp
University Distinguished Professor, Department of Integrative Biology, College of Natural Science
Joon S. Moon Distinguished International Alumni Award
Myung-Keun Chang
Ph.D., Environmental Engineering (1994); M.S., Environmental Engineering (1986)
Chief Consultant, Waves to Oceans, Ltd.
MSU Award for Outstanding Service to Education Abroad
Jeffrey Tsang
Assistant Director for Advising Initiatives, College of Engineering
Charles A. Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy
Suzanne W. Braden
Director/CEO, Pandas International
Homer Higbee International Education Award
Raymond Musiima
MBA Student, Broad College of Business
Tatiana A. Iretskaia
Ph.D. Candidate, Sustainable Tourism and Protected Areas Management, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Larry Bruce Karnes
Chair, International Friendship Program
Special Recognition Award for Promoting International Understanding
Antoinette Tessmer
Associate Professor Fixed Term, Department of Finance, Broad College of Business
Carl K. Eicher Award for International Development
Randolph M. Beaudry
Professor, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
This story was originally featured on isp.msu.edu.
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About the MSU Innovation Center:
The MSU Innovation Center combines research partnerships, technology transfer, and startup support for MSU faculty who aim to see their research applied to make the world a better place.
Composed of Business Connect, MSU Technologies, and Spartan Innovations, the MSU Innovation Center aims to amplify the impact of faculty research and drive economic growth while positively impacting society to solve real-world challenges with cutting-edge ideas.
Through mutually beneficial, long-term partnerships with the private sector, we connect MSU faculty with companies for corporate-sponsored research collaborations. We also play a key role in facilitating the commercialization and public use of technologies and copyrightable materials, moving MSU’s innovations from the lab to the marketplace. Importantly, we provide significant support for faculty entrepreneurs in establishing startup companies based on technologies developed at MSU.