David A. Christenson

J. W. George Ivany Internationalization Award - Fall 1998

Professor David A. Christensen of the College of Agriculture is the first winner of the newly established J. W. George Ivany Internationalization Award. This award has been established by the University of Saskatchewan International in order to recognize outstanding contributions by a member of the University's academic or administrative staff in furthering the process of internationalization at the University of Saskatchewan. The award has been named after Dr. J. W. George Ivany, during whose presidency the University has formalized its commitment to internationalization, and who has provided significant personal leadership in fulfilment of this commitment.

Dr. Christensen has been chosen in recognition of his outstanding commitment to international development activities and continuing initiatives to integrate international development into the teaching and research functions of the Department of Animal and Poultry Science. Professor Christensen's early interest in international development was stimulated by a 1970-72 secondment to the Makerere University in Uganda to help develop their teaching and research program in Animal Science. Since that time, he has had continuing involvement in international development, participating in and leading development projects in more than twenty countries, including Uganda, Swaziland, Indonesia, Thailand, China and Korea. His involvements in international development projects have led to the initiation of new overseas field research opportunities for Saskatchewan students, thus enriching their global vision. Dr. Christensen's sustained commitments to internationalization have many dimensions. These include the implementation of international development projects, linking international development projects to the students' academic programs, disseminating the value of international development to the community at large, and working with the Canadian agribusiness sector in transferring Canadian technology in animal production and feed utilization throughout the world.

Within the university community, Dr. Christensen has been a strong supporter of internationalization, having served on the International Committee of the College of Graduate Studies and Research. His international initiatives have been recognized by the Agricultural Institute of Canada and the World Association of Animal Production with special awards. In the words of Dean John Stewart of the College of Agriculture, "David Christensen's contribution to international development is outstanding under any criteria. Whether one judges him from the contribution he has made to teaching and research and specifically to the international development aspects of his work, as a consultant and promoter of Canadian industries overseas, or as a promoter of awareness of international issues on campus, he has had a full and colourful career."

Dr. Christensen will utilize the award money to fund new student field research opportunities in Guyana as well as in strengthening existing linkages in Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and China.