International students number more than 2,700 on campus from 85 countries. This photo is a screen capture from a BC government video created during International Days 2012. Watch the video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otdmuoao3CI&feature=youtu.be
Thompson Rivers University was recognized for its efforts in International Education, an industry that contributes over $2 billion to British Columbia’s economy, making it BC’s fifth largest export sector. British Columbia Council for International Education (BCCIE) noted the leadership and direction of International Education professionals in BC schools, districts and institutions, in step with the Provincial Government and its International Education Strategy, that have contributed to the positive impact of this vibrant sector on BC’s economy, culture and communities.
At the BCCIE Summer Seminar in Whistler, two of the six remarkable international educators and programs honoured Tuesday, June 25 were from TRU. The winners represented a broad range of leading professionals and innovations that have made significant contributions to advancing the International Education interests of the province.
Mike Henniger, TRU Director, International Marketing, received the Excellence in International Education Marketing Award. Led by Henniger, the TRU World Social Media Campaign made use of emerging technologies to take the TRU brand into the global marketplace and brought social media to the fore as a tool to brand, recruit, counsel, advertise, and connect in the international education space.
Also recognized in the 2013 Special Category for International Education Lifetime Achievement Award (posthumous) was Dr. Wesley J. Koczka. He joined Thompson Rivers University as Associate Vice President, International and CEO Global Operations in 2010, following an accomplished career in internationalization at the University of Victoria as Dean of Continuing Studies. At TRU, Wes was known for his foresight, strategic sense and unfailing dedication to TRU and the TRU World mission. He was totally committed to internationalization, working tirelessly to expand connections between TRU and institutions and associates worldwide.
“This year’s awards are dedicated to Wes and his incredible contribution to International Education in our province. We applaud those of BC’s outstanding international educators and programs which are currently active as well as those educators that have left a lasting legacy and built a solid reputation for BC as a high quality study destination at all education levels across all regions,” says Colin Doerr, Director, Communications and Programs at BCCIE.
