The Faculty and Course Development in International Studies program at West Virginia University has received the first Cyrus R. Vance Award from the state Department of Education and the Arts. The award recognizes international education efforts in West Virginia.

FACDIS has been working to improve global education in West Virginia for 21 years. The program serves colleges and universities around the state by assisting in course development and revision, professional development for K-12 and higher education faculty and application of new instructional materials. FACDIS activities include annual summer institutes for public school teachers and the John Maxwell Scholar-Diplomat Program in Washington, D.C.

“As the trend toward globalization accelerates and political and economical systems change accordingly, West Virginia needs to increase the international and intercultural awareness of its citizens,”said Education and the Arts Secretary Kay Goodwin said.”The Department of Education and the Arts recognizes the signal importance of increasing student understanding of foreign cultures, languages and Americas role in international affairs. By increasing this understanding, students will be better prepared to celebrate social diversity and compete in a global economy.”

Cyrus R. Vance, a native of Clarksburg, has distinguished himself during a half-century of public service, particularly in the area of international affairs. In 1968, he was one of two American representatives at the Paris Peace Conference on Vietnam, served as U.S. Secretary of State from 1977 to 1980 and throughout the 1990s was called upon to act as a special envoy for the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the former Yugoslavia, South Africa and Greece. Among his innumerable honors and awards are the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, the French Legion of Honor, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan and an appointment as an honorary knight commander of the British Empire.

The award that bears his name will be given annually to an educator or educational organization, either at the K-12 or higher education level, which best exemplifies Vances dedication to international issues and best promotes student understanding of international affairs. The award includes a $5,000 gift to further the recipients activities in the area of international education.

“The Cyrus R. Vance Award celebrates not only West Virginias commitment to international affairs, but also the achievements of Mr. Vance,”said Jay Cole, deputy secretary of Education and the Arts.”We honor this distinguished West Virginian by recognizing those institutions that work to further this effort.”

Jack Hammersmith, director of FACDIS and a WVU history professor, said:”We are highly flattered to be the first recipient of this prestigious award named in honor of such a distinguished West Virginian.”