CILMAR announces inaugural Michael A. Brzezinski Intercultural Learning Champion

The Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentorship, Assessment and Research has named its inaugural Michael A. Brzezinski Intercultural Learning Champion for 2024.

Michael Bittinger, assistant director of Study Abroad, was named the 2024 Michael A. Brzezinski Intercultural Learning Champion. Previously known as the Vision Award, the Michael A. Brzezinski Intercultural Learning Champion was named after Michael A. Brzezinski, who retired in August 2023 as vice president of global partnerships and programs in the Office of the President. Brzezinski was the founder of CILMAR and its first director.

In Bittinger’s award announcement, Kris Acheson-Clair, director of CILMAR, wrote: “(Bittinger) has been a leader at Purdue in transforming study abroad programs to feature experiential education, mentorship, reflection and other evidence-based practices. He also models holding oneself accountable as a program leader for the growth and development of students via rigorous assessment, and he leverages formative assessment to personalize mentorship of students in his programs.” 

The Michael A. Brzezinski Intercultural Learning Champion honor comes with a $5,000 discretionary award that will be presented in late April.