November 9, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Battenburg
Cal Poly International Education & Programs
805-756-2945

Social Sciences Professor Receives International Educator Award

SAN LUIS OBISPO - Cal Poly Professor Harold R. Kerbo of the Social Sciences Department in the College of Liberal Arts is the recipient of the 2007 Cal Poly International Educator Award. The annual honor, sponsored by International Education and Programs, recognizes a faculty member who has significantly contributed to international education at Cal Poly.

Kerbo will receive the award during the International Education Week presentation "Helping Students Understand International Careers," Thursday, Nov. 15.

A faculty member at Cal Poly since 1977, Kerbo has a distinguished record of teaching, service and scholarship activities in international education. Founder of the Cal Poly Thailand Study Program, he is responsible for approximately 350 students and 12 faculty participants. He has served as resident director and taught in the program for many years. He is also active in program development, faculty and student selection, advising and logistics.

He has received Fulbright awards to teach and conduct research in Japan , Thailand and Austria . He has also served as a discipline reviewer for Fulbright applicants to European programs, and he has been a visiting professor and visiting fellow at universities in Japan , Germany , Switzerland and Wales .

He is the creator and editor of the McGraw-Hill "Comparative Societies Series," and he has authored and co-authored several books that focus on comparative societies and issues concerning world poverty.

Reflecting on Kerbo's contributions to international education and scholarship, Cal Poly President Warren J. Baker said, "Dr. Kerbo is a leading advocate for global understanding who has created extraordinary opportunities for our students to participate in life-changing study-abroad experiences and, with his writings, has promoted greater understanding of comparative social and political realities around the world. This award is a fitting recognition of his many achievements through a long and distinguished career."

International Education and Programs, the principal resource center for international education at Cal Poly, serves both international and study abroad students.

For more information, call 805-756-2945.