Fall Convocation - Students - University of Saskatchewan

J.W. George Ivany Internationalization AwardEngineers Without Borders, University of Saskatchewan chapterThe J. W. George Ivany Internationalization Award recognizesoutstanding contributions made by students, scholars oradministrators that enhance internationalization at andfor the University of Saskatchewan. In recognition of itssubstantial efforts to increase student mobility and promoteinternationalization through service and outreach, the Universityof Saskatchewan is delighted to honour – at this Fall 2006University of Saskatchewan ChapterConvocation ceremony – the University of Saskatchewan Chapterof Engineers Without Borders. This dynamic organization isrepresented today by University of Saskatchewan student Bnyam Embaye.Inspired by an empowering premise that global poverty can be overcome by offering new opportunitiesto impoverished communities, Engineers Without Borders is a Canadian non-profit organization—withmore than 7,000 members—that aims and acts to reduce extreme poverty in the world by fosteringhuman development through increased access to socially-sensitive technologies. As reported on the CTVEvening News, “EWB is an organization that dared to dream—and is now constructing a bright newfuture for people plagued by poverty.” Far from assuming that Canadians are destined to be peripheralplayers in reshaping our world, this organization seeks to ensure that Canada is perceived as a modelcitizen in responding to challenges associated with global poverty.Within the context of our province, the University of Saskatchewan Chapter of Engineers Without Bordersis a student-led organization that was established in 2002. With over 170 members on our campus,this chapter has worked—and been recognized for its efforts—to build bridges of understanding andcooperation between local and global communities. In 2004 this chapter was recognized as the Chapterof the Year in Canada. Locally, dozens of students from the University of Saskatchewan have engaged inspecific activities: highlighting the importance of international development to over 2000 Saskatchewanhigh school students; engaging members of the local corporate community through annual gala events;and raising more than $100,000 to support their local and global activities. Globally, 10 Universityof Saskatchewan students have served on EWB projects in Africa and Asia. A primary project of thischapter has been supporting the creation of Information and Communication Technology Centres in thePhilippines as part of the University-supported SCALA project. Recently, during the United Nations WorldSummit on Information, this project was recognized for helping to address poverty in the Philippines.In recognition of the efforts and initiative of the University of Saskatchewan Chapter of Engineers WithoutBorders, our campus community is delighted to recognize the work of these accomplished and inspiringambassadors.University of Saskatchewan 13 Fall Convocation 2006