Award for Innovative International Initiatives

Anny Lin is a passionate leader and advocate of international students at the Carlson School of Management. She has actively sought out partnerships with International Student and Scholar Services, the Undergraduate Business Career Center, and the faculty to support the international student experience at CSOM.

In 2007-08 there was a significant increase in freshman international students at the Carlson School. As a former international student herself, Anny realized that the differences in culture and working relationships between teachers and students could be a challenge. She recognized that both faculty and students would benefit from an opportunity to get to know each other in a structured but informal setting outside the normal classroom environment, so she proposed the first Carlson Global Connect event. Her goal was to bring faculty and international students together in a comfortable setting to facilitate conversation, break down barriers to allow students to feel comfortable approaching and talking with faculty, as well as allowing faculty to engage with international students on a personal level.

What started as a single event has now grown into the annual Carlson Global Connect Series with a kick-off event that brings Carlson School faculty and new international students together. The Global Connect Series is now in its 6th year and has grown in both faculty and student attendance. The success of this program is due to Anny’s personal approach in working with faculty, staff, and students to understand their needs and perspectives. The Carlson School and the University is a more global place due to her dedication and leadership.