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UC Riverside Extension’s associate dean named ‘Distinguished Volunteer’ by Sister Cities

RIVERSIDE, CALIF. – Sheila Dwight, associate dean of UC Riverside Extension and director of International Education Programs, has been named a Sister Cities International 50th Anniversary Distinguished Volunteer. Dwight was recognized for her work in helping to establish the Gangnam-Riverside Sister City relationship and the Gangnam-University of California Riverside International Education Center (GNUCR) in the Gangnam-gu District of Seoul, Korea, which is one of Riverside’s sister cities.

“Dr. Dwight was very important for the establishment of the Gangnam Center,” said Diane Elton, president of the Riverside chapter of Sister Cities International. Since 2001, GNUCR has offered intensive English and university preparation programs to students in Korea, who earn University of California credit after successful completion.

“Having the opportunity to provide English education to the citizens of Gangnam-gu has been one of the highlights of my career,” Dwight said. “How wonderful it has been to transport UC Riverside’s excellent academic reputation and plant the university’s presence in Seoul, Korea.”

Dwight is one of 500 individuals in the nation recognized as a distinguished volunteer.  She will be honored in a public ceremony in Washington, D. C. on July 15, 2006.

“I am always impressed with Dr. Dwight’s deep commitment to international programs. She is an integral part of our success locally and globally,” said Jack Azzaretto, vice chancellor of Public Service and International Programs and dean of UC Riverside Extension. “

International Education Program, one of the largest Intensive English Programs in America, has been offering classes since 1975. In addition to GNUCR, Extension has also opened an international center in Beijing, China.

UC Riverside Extension is one of many Language schools in America and the continuing education division of the University of California, Riverside. Extension offers more than 1,800 courses and 79 certificate programs in a variety of academic programs, including agriculture and landscape, arts and humanities, business and management, education, teacher’s credentialing, English, environmental management, geospatial analysis and technology, health and behavioral sciences, information technology, languages, law and public policy, Native American studies, natural sciences, public safety and forensic investigations and yoga. To receive a free UC Riverside Extension catalog, call (951) 827-3806.

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