“(The award) confirms our commitment to increasing international experiences for our students,” said John Burgeson, dean for the Center of Continuing Studies. “It also shows how St. Cloud State is able to develop international programs for non-traditional audiences.”
The Mapuche project was a joint effort between St. Cloud State and Universidad de Concepcion designed as a cultural exchange for a group of Mapuche artists and leaders. The purpose was to share their culture and crafts with the students at St. Cloud State and the St. Cloud community. In return, St. Cloud State provide training about entrepreneurship and business development.
The award from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) identifies globalization as one of the key forces molding higher education.
“It shows that there are viable ways to do continuing education internationally,” Burgeson said. “We have discovered through our relationship with Universidad de Concepcion, a new set of contacts with continuing education programs in Central and South America who are interested in similar projects that involve learning about business in the United State.”
Burgeson will accept the award in Washington D.C. in April.
“The award is only a small token of the collaboration between the two campuses, but one that will always serve as an example of what creative educators can do when they work together,” said Earl H. Potter III, president of St. Cloud State University.
