CGE's 30th Annual Meeting, hosted by Anderson University and President Evans Whitaker, opened with a FORUM, a Welcome Event and a first Plenary Session. CGE's 2017 CGE Global Award recipient, Dr. Marlene Wall, from LCC International University in Lithuania gave an inspiring speech entitled "Defined By Our Response to the Stranger." She began with inspirations from Leviticus and a quotation from an old Arab saying. At the President's breakfast on Friday, Senator Tim Scott extended congratulations to CGE for our 30th Annual Meeting and appreciation for the strategic impact CGE members are having in 91 nations! Dr. Wendy Bignold from Liverpool Hope University shared information about their Big Hope 2 International Youth Conference to be held June 13-20, 2018 in Liverpool, UK. Each CGE member campus is invited to send students and lead faculty for an outstanding representation from CGE youth leaders!
On Thursday, CGE recognized AU's international students at a Global Luncheon. The speakers were Henry and Cecila Deneen introduced by Chancellor at DBU, Dr. Gary Cook. Dr. Cook has followed the Deneen's career from working overseas to leading international organizations. The Deenens now live in SC. They shared information about the global refugee crisis and how CGE and AU students can become more involved.
CGE attendees enjoyed the Thursday evening Banquet with Keynote Speaker, Dr. Nabil Costa from Beirut, Lebanon. Dr. Costa is a passionate speaker sharing the state of Christian education in the Middle East and the important role that Christian educators have in recognizing the role of Christians in all levels of society. He challenged and inspired the attendees.
At the Banquet, CGE presented Anderson Univeristy's President, Evans Whitaker, with a CGE crystal globe in appreciation for hosting this 30th CGE Annual Meeting. A presentation of a 30th Anniversary Award was given to CGE's Chairman of the Board, Dr. Andrew Westmoreland from SAmford University. The 2017 CGE Global Leader Award was given to Dr. Marlene Wall, President of LCC International Univeristy in Klaipeda, Lithuania for her outstanding university leadership in the Balkans area and her strategic efforts given for students from 30 nations including leading the effort for admission of refugee students this year from Syria and Iraq.
At the workshops, key speakers shared highlights for study abroad locations, recruiting international students, new international school partners, refugee aid for global students, and CGE member benefits.
CGE welcomed Presidential Sponsors; Joshua Expeditions and Leadership Development International, as well as, International Partner, Arthur J. Gallahger Insurance; and Partner Sponsors; ELIC, CAPA, The Global Education Network and Premier Speakers Bureau.
Join us next year for CGE's Annual Meeting to be hosted by Samford University in Birmingham, AL September 12-14.
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