During her twelve-year tenure as Executive Director of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, Penny forged stronger educational links between the US and UK, gaining increased funding for American pre- and post-doctoral scholars to study at the top research universities in the UK. She also took important steps towards making international education more accessible through her creation of the Social Mobility Program, which provides funding for underprivileged UK undergraduates to attend American universities. Penny’s dedication to cultural and educational diplomacy has provided opportunities for hundreds of students to enrich their educational experience, and in doing so has fostered continued cultural exchange between the US and UK.
Awardee Database
Awardees
Mark Taplin
Mark Taplin received the inaugural Lois Roth Emeritus Award, on August 6, 2018, for his career of service in cultural and educational diplomacy abroad and his tours as a principled and courageous policy leader in the ECA Bureau. Through his willingness to communicate openly with colleagues, flexibility and strategic planning, Mark guided the ECA through existential budget threats, proving that the Bureau’s spirit of innovation, productivity and commitment to excellence can survive, and even thrive, in times of great stress. Now retired, Mark is known among his former colleagues for his profound leadership, sense of humor, elegant writing and speaking and his deep-rooted belief in the power and criticality of international exchange.
*The Prix Coindreau Prize, The Jeanne Varnay Pleasants Prize for Language Teaching, and the CASVA-Henry & Judith Millon Award are currently inactive.