Advocates for Global Education Recognized at World Affairs Council Annual Dinner

GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services and a corporate sponsor of The World Affairs Council-Washington, DC (WAC-DC), congratulates the five distinguished honorees recognized at the Global Education Gala held Wednesday. The event recognizes organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to global education, international affairs, and global communications.

Sodexo has been a strategic partner and sponsor of the World Affairs Council HONORS Gala since 2013. Through Sodexo's contribution, the Council is able to deliver Global Education and International Affairs programs. These programs -- which offer informed geo-political insights and critical thinking with a global perspective --educate, enlighten and empower students, educators, professionals, the American public and international community.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace. She received the 2017 Global Ambassador Award. "The Jane Goodall Institute works to inspire people to take action to benefit other people, animals and the world we all share," said Dr. Goodall.  "We each have the power to make a difference every day and to be an ambassador of positive change for our world.  I am honored to receive the Global Ambassador Award from the World Affairs Council-Washington, DC in recognition of this work."

Dr. Goodall cited her mother as her biggest inspiration. She described the patience, understanding and encourage that her mother consistently displayed in the midst of the many challenges she presented as a child; from gathering worms from the garden and keeping them in her bed to disappearing at length, on a quest to see how hens lay eggs. "A different kind of mother might have crushed that early scientific curiosity," said Dr. Goodall.

Weaving in a bit of humor to further describe her beginnings, she added "When I was ten years old I read Tarzan of the Apes. I fell in love with Tarzan, of course I did. And what did Tarzan do? He fell in love with the wrong Jane!"

WAC-DC presented a total of five honorees with awards that exemplify the mission of the Council, which is to empower educators and students to effectively compete, communicate, and lead in our diverse multicultural nation and worldwide.  Included among the others recognized at the gala event were:

Marymount University was presented with the Educator of the Year Award, which was accepted by Dr. Matthew Shank, President. "It is a tremendous honor for, and a testament to, our dedicated faculty, staff and students who strive daily to achieve the values of our vision that include intellectual curiosity, service to others and global perspective," said President Shank.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting was presented with the Global Communications Award, which was accepted by Pat Harrison, President and CEO. "CPB's support for public media journalism through NPR's international reporting, Public Radio International, and PBS's FRONTLINE and NewsHour programs helps to address the need of individuals in the United States and beyond to be informed, educated and connected to the world around them," said Ms. Harrison. "This is an honor we accept on behalf of public media's dedicated reporters and producers who provide trusted, accurate, fair, balanced, and objective coverage of international news."

Blackboard Inc. received the Global Education Award. It was accepted by the Chairman, CEO and President, Bill Ballhaus. "At Blackboard, we are passionate about education and understand the profound difference it can make in individuals' lives and in society as a whole," said Mr. Ballhaus. "That's why we are committed to partnering with the global education community to drive student success."

The Republic of Colombia received the Distinguished Diplomatic Service Award, which was accepted by H.E. Juan Carlos Pinzón, Ambassador to the United States. "Colombia is a nation transformed and on the path to securing a stable and lasting peace that will ensure prosperity for future generations," said Ambassador Pinzón. "We are deeply humbled by this recognition, and we look forward to building on our global dialogue and exchange of ideas with the World Affairs Council."

Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

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