2022 International Student Awards

KU International Affairs recognized the Class of 2022 international student graduates in a celebration in May at the Kansas Union. During the celebration Roberta Pokphanh, who was serving as interim co-director of International Support Services, presented several student awards.

Class Speaker

Ahmad Baset Azizi

Ahmad Baset Azizi is a global and international studies, political science and music graduate with a certificate in Global Awareness. In the fall of 2017, when Azizi entered KU, he was the only student from Afghanistan enrolled that term. But being singular was not new to Azizi, who once introduced himself as the best trumpet player in Afghanistan (as one of only two players in the country at the time).

“The story of his journey to graduation is filled with bold dreams, determination in the face of difficulty, sustained effort and the building of a supportive community around him that have helped him to carry his dreams to today,” Pokphanh said.

Azizi was also recently recognized for his leadership with the 2022 Campanile Award, given to a single graduating senior. In June CBS Sunday Morning featured the amazing story of Azizi’s college journey and the reunification with his family, who fled Afghanistan last year.

Clark Coan Leadership Awards

Named after Clark Coan, who directed the Office of International Students for 33 years, this award recognizes exceptional student leadership

Abdoul Aziz Diallo

Abdoul Aziz Diallo is a computer science graduate with a certificate in Global Awareness. The International Support Services staff was first introduced to Diallo when he reached out with interest in the Global Partners program.

He soon was serving as communications director for the program. Perhaps more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it, Diallo was at every gathering, phone in hand, capturing the fun and connections of his fellow Jayhawks. He quickly became an integral member of the executive board, contributing ideas to bring domestic and international students together.

When in-person events were suspended because of the pandemic, Diallo actively sought alternative ways to serve and advocate for the international student community, serving as vice president of the International Student Association and as a member of the International Student Advisory Committee. In these roles, he continued to serve as an advocate for international students at KU.

“Abdoul’s engagement demonstrates the Jayhawk values of unity, innovation, inclusion, and engagement. He represents the very best of our international community,” Pokphanh said.

Bander Almohammadi

Bander Almohammadi earned a doctorate in Juridical Sciences with Pro Bono Honors. In the fall of 2014, Almohammadi began his KU studies in the Applied English Center and immediately stepped into the role of a student leader. As president of the Saudi Students Association, Almohammadi worked to bring communities together to learn about and celebrate Saudi culture and traditions.

His tireless support of the Saudi community has created a welcoming home in Lawrence for hundreds of international students and their families. Most recently Almohammadi has put his legal expertise to work in KU’s Legal Services for Students office, offering guidance and advice to domestic and international students.

“Bander is a true Jayhawk and exemplifies the application of the Jayhawk values of unity, innovation, inclusion and engagement, demonstrated through outstanding leadership skills in support of community,” Pokphanh said.

Charles Olcese Per Aspera Award

Named in honor of former ISS director Charles “Chuck” Olcese, the award pays homage to the Kansas State motto "Ad Astra Per Aspera," to the stars through difficulty, and honors a student who has shown perseverance.

Etom Martin Obono

Etom Martin Obono completed his studies in the fall 2021 semester, earning a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences with honors, and certificates in leadership strategies and applications and global awareness. Obono, who came to KU from Nigeria, severed as a leader for the You at KU - International Orientation, welcoming new international students to campus. Obono participated in many programs hosted by International Support Services, particularly in the Life in the U.S. workshop series where he provided valuable insights from his experience to his international classmates.

NEXUS Award

Encouraging inclusiveness and appreciation of intercultural activity and learning, the Nexus Award honors a U.S. citizen who has worked to promote international student integration and friendship at KU.

Sura Jaradat

Sura Jaradat earned her bachelor’s degree in global and international studies with honors and a certificate in global awareness. Jaradat served as a language and culture liaison with the Applied English Center and consistently demonstrated her dedication to assisting students in a positive, meaningful way. In addition to her major in global and international studies, she also minored in East Asian languages and cultures, Middle Eastern studies, and intelligence and security studies.

Jaradat has an impressive list of accomplishments from her time at KU including her selection as a Foreign Language & Area Studies scholar in two consecutive years; interning at both the International Relations Council in Kansas City and for the Bureau of Near East Affairs for the U.S. Department of State.  Her peers and students describe her as “friendly and funny” and “easy to communicate with” and note that she “has a positive attitude and is caring!”

“Sura’s commitment to connecting with our international community in deep and profound ways is immeasurable,” Pokphanh said.