April Julich Perez of MISTI receives 2014 MIT Excellence Award
 

 

“I have the privilege to work with an inspiring team of people who are committed to making a global learning experience available to every student at MIT." 

— April Julich Perez, Associate Director, MISTI


 

Honored for leadership

April Julich Perez, associate director of the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) within the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, has been honored for her leadership with a 2014 MIT Excellence Award for Bringing Out the Best.

“In her role at MISTI, April has distinguished herself in her ability to mentor, inspire, and empower each member of her staff — encouraging them to take on new responsibilities and supporting them every step of the way,” said Institute Community and Equity Officer Edmund Bertschinger, who presented Perez with the award at a ceremony held February 25, 2014, in Kresge Auditorium.


A global learning experience 


"I was touched to receive this award because I'm so proud of what MISTI has accomplished,” Perez says. “I have the privilege to work with an inspiring team of people who are committed to making a global learning experience available to every student at MIT. Thanks to this collective effort over decades, MISTI has grown to become a vital resource for MIT students, faculty and staff. It is an honor to be a part of it."

The MIT Excellence Awards recognize staff members who have gone above and beyond to fulfill the goals, values, and mission of the Institute. Perez was one of 17 individuals and teams honored across six categories this year. The categories are: Advancing Inclusion and Global Perspectives, Innovative Solutions, Bringing out the Best, Serving the Client, Sustaining MIT, and Unsung Hero.

In addition, the event marked the first award of the Collier Medal, named in memory of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier, who was killed in the line of duty last April 18. Presented by MIT President L. Rafael Reif, the 2014 Collier Medal went to MIT’s Emergency Medical Services.


Bringing out the best

Excellence Award recipients are nominated by colleagues and selected by a committee of MIT staffers. One nominator for Perez wrote: “I have always been struck by how well April helps to grow her people, giving them the autonomy and the guidance they need to develop professionally.”

Perez joined MISTI as MIT-France program coordinator in 2005 and has been associate director since December 2010. MISTI currently sends about 700 students abroad each year from 18 country programs.



Suggested Links

April Julich Perez

MISTI: MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives



Story prepared by MIT SHASS Communications 
Editorial and Design Director: Emily Hiestand
MISTI Communications Manager: Caroline Fickett
Senior Writer: Kathryn O'Neill 
Photograph of April Julich Perez by Molly Schneider
Published 31 March 2014