FedEx Global Education celebrates 10th anniversary and international education

This academic year marks the 10th anniversary of the FedEx Global Education Center.

The building was built in 2007 to bring together units committed to international education and previously housed in buildings across campus. It is a tangible demonstration of the University’s commitment to global education, and it creates a hub for UNC-Chapel Hill’s global activity, with space for student and faculty services, academic instruction and programs and research.

On Nov. 30, the center hosted a reception to recognize the milestone, reflect on Carolina’s global achievements and honor the faculty, staff and alumni who have been instrumental in Carolina’s international activity.

At the reception, Rudi Colloredo-Mansfeld, senior associate dean for social sciences and global programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, highlighted the diverse work that units within the building undertake to make a global impact here and abroad. Executive Vice Provost and Chief International Officer Ron Strauss reflected on Carolina’s longstanding history of global education and noted that the University’s first international student, Shinzaburo Mogi, arrived in Chapel Hill from Japan in 1893. Strauss also highlighted other milestones in Carolina’s global history—from its first study abroad program in Sevilla, Spain, in 1973 to its extensive collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Malawi, which has roots in the late 1980s.

The celebration culminated with the viewing of a short film that highlights the values of the Carolina global community, and in particular, those who work and study in the FedEx Global Education Center. Katie Bowler Young, director of Global Relations for UNC Global, introduced the film, noting that these values include the humanitarian ideals of South African leader, human rights activist and namesake of the building’s auditorium, Nelson Mandela, and the recognition of lifelong language learning as a critical part of global education, cultural exchange and international friendship. The film features students, staff and faculty reciting an excerpt from Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom in several of the 25 languages that UNC-Chapel Hill offers to students.

Strauss emphasized Carolina’s international partnerships and opportunities that units in the FedEx Global Education Center offer students and faculty. He also thanked those who help make Carolina a welcoming community for students and scholars from more than 100 countries.

“Your commitment to honoring and informing our community about world cultures is invaluable,” said Strauss.

The FedEx Global Education Center is an 80,000-square-foot building that was funded through support from the North Carolina General Assembly, with a $2.5 million improvement bond fund, and through the generosity of FedEx and UNC alumni.

Today it is home to Carolina’s global and area studies centers, six of which have been designated National Resource Centers by the U.S. Department of Education. It also houses International Student and Scholar Services, the Study Abroad Office in the College of Arts and Sciences, and academic programs including the Curriculum in Global Studies and the TransAtlantic Masters Program, among other units that support Carolina’s international activity.

The FedEx Global Education Center hosts hundreds of lectures, exhibitions, conferences and international films throughout the year. Learn more about special events at global.unc.edu.