President of the Republic of Ecuador Rafael Correa received award for exceptional achievements
On April 8, 2010 the University of Illinois honored President Rafael Correa as the 2009 recipient of the Madhuri & Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement. As a distinguished international alumnus he was recognized for his outstanding accomplishments on the world stage.
Alumnus President Rafael Correa participated in a breakfast reception and lecture at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center, where he spoke to a crowd of 400 students, alumni, faculty, staff and other guests and then graciously answered questions. President Correa was introduced by the University of Illinois President of the Alumni Association, in the Ballroom of the Alice Campbell Alumni Center, and honored with the Alumni Awards Dinner for distinguished service, humanitarianism and professional achievement. The evening featured remarks from the Alumni Association president and CEO and an inspiring awards presentation by the University's Chancellor Dr. Robert Easter.
Rafael Correa comes from a humble home. Correa won the presidential election in November of 2006 and he became in power in February of 2007. In about a year and a half several social programs directed to support education, health care, are in place. The new economic paradigm of local business is generating jobs among the poor. The popularity of Correa is almost 70% which is unprecedented.
The Global Institute for BioExploration (GIBEX) members Ilya Raskin, Mary Ann Lila, Manuel Baldeon and Elvira de Mejia were delighted and honored to meet President Correa at this award ceremony at the University of Illinois. GIBEX members hope that the joint programs with Ecuador will continue to advance the scientific cooperation and expand in the near future to benefit the people of Ecuador, particularly in the area of natural medicines for human health.
GIBEX members explained President Correa about the dreams they had two years ago that culminated in his nomination to this distinguished alumni award. They also explained the honest interest to collaborate with Ecuadorian scientists to develop research and technology for the good of human health. Four academic institution members of GIBEX were represented by Ilya Raskin (Rutgers University), Mary Ann Lila (North Carolina State University), Elvira de Mejia (University of Illinois) and Manuel Baldeón (USFQ).
By Elvira de Mejia
