Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie to be honored by The International Center as the 20

INDIANAPOLIS - Sept. 7, 2016 - PRLog -- Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie will be honored by The International Center as the 2016 International Citizen of the Year before an audience of more than 500 people at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

"The mission of The International Center is to inform, convene and connect public, private and civic global objectives in Indiana," said Diane Thomas, president and CEO of The International Center and honorary French consul. "We have long felt that Dr. McRobbie is the embodiment of The Center's overarching goal. All of us are pleased to bestow this well-deserved honor upon him."

James T. Morris, IU trustee, vice chairman of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, an International Center board member and honorary co-chair of this year's event echoed Thomas' statement, saying the honor is "richly deserved."

McRobbie is the 30th recipient of the award, which is given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the globalization of Indiana in their field of expertise. The International Center began presenting the International Citizen of the Year Award in 1985; the late Riad Shaheen was the first honoree. Past recipients include Eli Lilly and Company's President and CEO Dr. John C. Lechleiter (2015); former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Mrs. Winnie Ballard (2014); former Governor Mitchel E. Daniels, Jr. (2010); and former Senator and Indianapolis Mayor Richard G. Lugar (1986 and 2003), among many others.

McRobbie, a native of Australia, joined Indiana University in 1997, and was inaugurated as the 18th president of the flagship university during the summer of 2007. Under McRobbie's leadership, Indiana University has experienced major growth in its global initiatives—including an International Strategic Plan; the IU Global Gateway Network, which includes IU offices in China, Germany and India; study abroad programs, international student recruitment efforts and engagement with alumni overseas. The president also serves on the Council of Foreign Relations.

The award will be presented to Dr. McRobbie at a tribute dinner and program. The program will feature entertainment by students and faculty from Indiana University's prestigious Jacobs School of Music.

Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available. To learn more about the International Citizen of the Year Award, or to reserve your spot at the event, visit our website (www.internationalcenter.org/ICY) or contact Kaitlyn Neel at kneel@internationalcenter.org.

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About The International Center

For more than 40 years, The International Center (http://www.internationalcenter.org/) has served as a guide to the world's cultural landscape, and a catalyst for the state's international growth. Working in collaboration with businesses, organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and individual citizens, The Center expands Indiana's global interest through a variety of programs and services and through convening diverse interests who share common international goals. The International Center is a member of Global Ties U.S.