LANSING, Mich. — The Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission is pleased to announce its 2019 Global Impact Awards. They will be presented at its 25thAnniversary Celebration of Global Diversity during an evening gala on September 7, 2019. We are elated that Senator Debbie Stabenow and Mr. Dave Hollister are the Honorary Co-Chairs of the event and the Mistress of Ceremonies will be WLNS-TV, WLAJ-TV News Anchor Sheri Jones.
Global Impact Through Educational Excellence
Yvonne Caamal Canul, superintendent of the Lansing School District, has demonstrated her passionate, dedicated leadership and commitment to globalizing students. She once distinguished herself as principal of The Center for Language, Culture and Communication Arts. The school's mission, Canul explained, was "to create a unique global learning environment based on the premise that diversity enriches the lives of everyone." In Lansing, she has used her vision and ability to transform the district by implementing The Pathway Promise, ensuring student success through choosing from three pathways using diverse educational models. Caamal Canul has dedicated her entire life to public service. After serving in many local, regional and state level positions, including 12 years as Lansing’s superintendent, she plans to enter retirement on January 1, 2020.
Global Impact Through Humanitarian Service
Dr. Seong H. Chi was one of two surgeons who teamed up in 1966 to perform the first open-heart surgery in mid-Michigan at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital. He was one half of a dynamic husband and wife duo at McLaren [usat.ly]from 1965-95. The John W. Chi Memorial Medical Library dedicated in 1976 now echoes both the hospital and the Chi family's example of excellence in offering many new resources and concepts at consumer's fingertips. In 2005, Ingham Regional Medical Center built a new heart and surgery center, and its new patient tower was named the Chi
Heart & Surgery Center in recognition of Dr. Chi's legacy of advancing the health and well-being of the mid-Michigan community and beyond. Dr. Chi is also known for his humanitarian efforts in the city of Holt and the Holt School District, as well as his financial support and enthusiasm for the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Asian student exchange program, even traveling with a student group to Asian. The creative and generous contributions of both Dr. Seong H. Chi and the late Dr. Ki Whan Oh Chi have left their mark on the Greater Lansing region, the nation and the world.
Global Impact Through Foreign Direct Investment
Glanbia, Plc is global nutrition group based in Kilkenny, Ireland, with operations in 32 countries. As Ireland’s fifth largest company, Glanbia is the #1 producer of American-style cheddar cheese in the world. Additionally, Glanbia has leading market positions in sports nutrition, dairy ingredients, specialty non-dairy ingredients and vitamin and mineral premixes. In fall of 2018, Glanbia and its joint venture partners, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Select Milk Producers, began construction on a $470,000,000 project to build cheese and whey protein processing facilities in St. Johns, Michigan. When the 24/7/365 dairy processing campus is complete in fall of 2020, 8 million pounds of milk will be processed each day, over 20 percent of all Michigan milk produced.
Global Impact In Memoriam
Doug Langham served as administrator of the Vocational Rehabilitation Division in the Department of Labor where he was a tireless advocate for injured workers. He was deeply involved in local, national, and international volunteer activities and was a dedicated member of the East Lansing Rotary, where as president he was instrumental in the club’s decision to build the Playground in the Park at Patriarch Park, which has been enjoyed by countless children ever since. He was active at the district level, serving as an assistant governor for Rotary District 6360. Always committed to citizen diplomacy, Doug was an active member of the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission, twice visiting Saint Petersburg, Russia as a member of its delegation. As part of a Rotary Humanitarian Aid Mission, Doug helped organize and deliver a busload of medical supplies from Lansing to Nicaragua. In 1992 Doug married the love of his life, Joan Bauer. He exuded peace, kindness and loyalty and understood the motto of sister cities, “Connect Globally. Thrive Locally”. Doug’s widow former State Representative Joan Bauer will accept the award on behalf of Doug Langham.
Global Impact Through Lifetime Achievement
Barbara Roberts Mason, is being honored for her 22 years of distinguished leadership as president of the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission. The commission is establishing the BARBARA ROBERTS MASON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. This inaugural award is being presented to Ms Mason, as she ends her reign as president, and will serve as a future reminder of her commitment and dedication to opening ‘the windows of the world’ to citizens of the Lansing region and beyond.
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