During Fall Convocation, Ellen Liang Yee, professor of law, was announced as the winner of the inaugural Principal Financial Group Global Citizenship Award.

In addition to Ellen, four nominees with outstanding qualifications submitted application packets: Mahmoud Hamad, associate professor of politics; Matthew C. Mitchell, assistant professor of management and international business; Michael Renner, professor of biology and psychology; and John Rovers, professor of pharmacy practice. Each nominee has been diligently working toward global engagement and internationalization of the campus and curriculum, as aligned with the three main goals of the International and Global Engagement Strategic Plan. All nominees are doing inspirational work.

Members of the selection committee acknowledged that Ellen is immersed in addressing pressing global issues and approaches these issues with creativity, persistence, and a positive outlook to find ways to work around obstacles.
Ellen is director of Drake Law School’s International Programs. While remaining attentive to her work in criminal law and trial advocacy, Ellen’s dedication and passion for internationalization at Drake is evident.

For seven summers, Ellen has taught in Drake’s law program in Nantes, France. In 2014 she organized celebrations in both locations for the 20th anniversary of the collaboration. She also taught in Chongqing, China, with Drake’s Chinese Cultural Exchange Program, and has undertaken professional or research work in Cambodia and The Hague, Netherlands. Ellen continues to develop new University relationships in locations ranging from Cuba to South Africa.

In addition, Ellen fosters internationalization on campus through coordinating Drake International Law Week, working with the International Law Society, and advising international students at the Law School. Ellen also created the “Next Course” program, which allows students across the University also learn about global and local food waste and hunger through service-learning and academic study.

—Submitted by Drake International