Award honors Gliozzo's international commitment

 Since then, Gliozzo’s studies and work have taken him all over the world and allowed him to donate both time and funds to programs that internationalize the student experience at Michigan State University. International Studies and Programs recently designated an award in his honor, The Charles A. Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy.

 

The award will be given to someone, who as a citizen diplomat has demonstrated a commitment to promoting intercultural relations, building relationships “one handshake at a time” and enriching international educational exchanges.

 

According to Gliozzo, “students should be aware of the impact of global competition. An international dimension should be intrinsic to a student’s education-- if not, you will find yourself on the outside looking in.”  This view echoes the bold design of President [Lou Anna K.] Simon, who is focused on “transitioning MSU from a land grant to a global grant institution.”

 

On his first trip overseas, leading a student group to Padua, Italy for The Experiment in International Learning, Gliozzo’s eyes opened to the excitement of intercultural immersion.

 

From there Gliozzo’s passion for internationalization led to his receiving two Fulbrights before advising other Fulbright scholars. His enthusiasm continued to grow as he served as the Director of Study Abroad programs at MSU from 1973-1993. Recognized by his peers, Gliozzo was elected to national and regional leadership positions focusing on international education. 

 

Of the various funds Gliozzo and his wife Marjorie support as members of MSU’s Snyder Donor Society, many are related to international study and development.  But Gliozzo doesn’t want to stop with programs already in existence.

 

He would like to see every student not only study abroad, but to take advantage of an international internship.

 

Although he officially retired from MSU’s teaching faculty, Gliozzo has continued to consult on special projects.  Last year, he worked with the Center for International Business Education and Research to build one of the most comprehensive online directories for international internships available today.

 

In addition, he continues to connect MSU students to the leaders who make up is vast network of personal and professional networks. Gliozzo is very persuasive and is often the one successfully sending top professionals to visit campus to share their advice in the areas of public, citizen and business diplomacy with the campus community.

 

Far from his family dinner table in NYC, Gliozzo continues to encourage students and MSU community members toward a more global perspective by giving funds.  Most important, he gives of his time, to live by the ideal of “thinking globally, but acting locally.”