William Thomas, director of international programs, was named an honorary
fellow of York St. John College in England at graduation ceremonies there recently, cited for his “outstanding
contribution to international education.”
Thomas, who
joined the College in 1969, is also a professor of French.
Thomas is
“committed to ensuring students receive an international experience, forging
links for Union College with [higher education] institutes across the globe, to
the great benefit of students worldwide,” according to a citation read at the York
ceremony.
“[He] has
overseen the exchange of over 400 students from the USA to York alone and has
looked after over 200 students from York St. John in America
during the 25 years since the start of an exchange program between the two
institutes. He has also passed his experience on, advising through his links
with the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers and has been awarded
a medal for his contribution to international education by the Czech Technical University in Prague.”
Thomas has also
received the Meritorious Service Award from Union's Alumni Council for his efforts on behalf of international
education.
The College's
International Programs, under Thomas' direction, has consistently been
recognized nationally over the years. The Institute for International Education
recently ranked the program seventh in the nation in terms of the number of
students who study abroad. For more on the IIE ranking, visit http://www.union.edu/N/DS/s.php?s=4104