It’s that time of year when we have the pleasure of taking a moment to recognise the work of the professionals in our university admission, guidance, and future pathways community, and their significant impact on the lives of the young people they support. 

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR'S RECIPIENTS!
 

 

Just announced! At our CIS Global Forum on International Admission & Guidance in Basel, Switzerland, to recognise, honour, and celebrate their work.

Johanna Fishbein. Recognised for Excellence in Counselling—acknowledging the exceptional contributions of a CIS school counsellor who actively advances international guidance, counselling, and transition support for secondary students.

James Crawley. Recognised for Excellence in Higher Education Practices—acknowledging the contributions and achievements of an individual’s CIS university role in international student enrolment management.

Mariam Lachin. Recognised for Excellence in Change & Innovation—honouring a changemaker whose contributions and achievements demonstrate leadership among their peers and a record of creating positive and lasting change within the international enrollment management and guidance communities.

 

Read their inspiring nominations below.

 

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Congratulations Johanna!

Johanna Fishbein, Director of University and College Counselling at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS)

'A force for positive change in the world of university counselling'

 

 

Recognition for Excellence in Counselling acknowledges the exceptional contributions of a CIS school counsellor who actively advances international guidance, counselling, and transition support for secondary students.

They exemplify the CIS Mission, Vision, and Values as a socially responsible leader committed to prioritising their students' best interests, inclusion and well-being. They deeply understand the transformative role of a school counsellor in the lives of students, families, and communities. They maintain high expectations and a positive outlook while acting ethically and with personal integrity. They also foster professional development among colleagues and make a lasting impact on CIS and the international educational community.

This year, it’s our great pleasure to acknowledge the dedication of Johanna Fishbein, who has touched the lives of myriad students seeking advice and support through their university choice and enrolment processes. Johanna supports her peers and colleagues in university counselling and admissions professionals at institutions worldwide. Colleagues universally comment on Johanna's knowledge, intelligence, positive energy, empathy, integrity, and commitment to the school and professional community.

When asked to reflect on Johanna's character and professionalism, colleagues wrote:

'… the model of an international school college counsellor. Deeply knowledgeable, hugely empathetic, committed to the success of students and with a commitment to the community, so … simply one of the best around.'

'… graciously compassionate, looks out for others and brings relative strangers into "her fold" with the genuineness of wanting everyone to feel included.'

Reflecting on Johanna's commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity goals, one colleague noted that Johanna '… actively promotes inclusion within our school community.’ Another notes that Johanna 'constantly battles injustices and shows that one person can have an impact when they believe in what they are doing.'

Having worked on 'both sides of the aisle', Johanna has shared insights and advice regarding the successful transition from secondary school to post-secondary enrolment. Specifically, she co-authored a CIS Perspectives blog about supporting students making the transition from secondary school to university, writing, '… supporting students’ transition to university is one of our roles and building these hard and soft skills is something we can do for our students throughout high school.'

One of the professionals who nominated Johanna sums up her contributions to the field, writing that she,

'has been a friend, mentor, and leader in careers and university guidance for a long time. She is always willing to share her perspective or resources to improve the work of others. Oh... and she does it all with a huge smile and infectious positivity.'

We are delighted to recognize Johanna Fishbein, Director of University and College Counselling at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) for Excellence in Counselling.

 

 

 

Congratulations Mariam! 

Mariam Lachin, Associate Director of Admissions at Georgetown University in Qatar

'Exhibits grace, heart, sincerity, thoughtfulness, and unwavering commitment to students, colleagues, and peers''

 

This year, we are recognizing an individual for Excellence in Change & Innovation for the first time. We honour a changemaker whose contributions and achievements demonstrate leadership among their peers and a record of creating positive and lasting change within the international enrolment management and guidance communities.

Individuals or groups recognized in this category demonstrate innovation and enthusiasm in their work, and a commitment to service and volunteerism.

They promote global and cultural understanding, recognizing the broader impact of their work on students, families, countries, and the world. They are exemplary leaders known for integrity and ethical professional practices, with a positive attitude and demeanour towards others. They prioritise students' best interests and value diverse cultures and educational programmes. They actively participate in the CIS Community, embodying the CIS Mission, Vision, and Values with a focus on socially responsible leadership, well-being, and a commitment to inclusion via diversity, equity, and anti-racism.

It's a great pleasure to recognise Mariam Lachin, a higher education professional selected for this recognition following testimonials from colleagues worldwide.

Mariam is described as:

'Exhibits grace, heart, sincerity, thoughtfulness, and unwavering commitment to students, colleagues, and peers'

'Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and advocacy for vulnerable students'

'Has a vigilant eye for details'

'... a strong moral compass, one that seeks to understand and appreciate different cultures, especially in an unspeakably challenging geopolitical environment.'

When the usual admission requirements and practices needed to be altered to support and enrol students from conflict-affected Palestine, Mariam was innovative and bold in her response. Partnering with a non-profit organization, she took a proactive approach to removing barriers to application completion and enrolment thereby enabling a group of five students to enroll at her institution.

This effort took courage, determination, flexibility, and resilience to support students needing a chance to fulfil their higher education goals.

Mariam's empathetic approach enables her to perceive and act upon the unmet needs of students from vulnerable communities. Her personal investment and willingness to go beyond formal responsibilities reveal her deep commitment to enacting meaningful change going beyond procedural adjustments, ultimately transforming students' lives.

In this inaugural year of recognizing Excellence in Change & Innovation in international education admissions and guidance, we are delighted to honour Mariam Lachin, Associate Director of Admissions at Georgetown University in Qatar. 

 

 

 

Congratulations James!

James Crawley, Director of Global Recruitment at Hope College, USA
 

'intelligent, detail-oriented, hardworking, generous, and fun to be with.' 

 

Our Recognition for Excellence in Higher Education Practices acknowledges the contributions and achievements of an individual’s CIS university role in international student enrolment management.

The individual embodies the CIS Mission through their commitment to socially responsible leadership and the principles of inclusion via diversity, equity, and anti-racism. They actively promote international post-secondary education and cultural understanding, advocate for colleagues' professional development, and understand what their university enrolment management work can mean for students, their families and country, and our world.

They model integrity, ethical professionalism and high personal expectations and consistently place students’ best interests at the forefront. Through inspiring leadership and significant contributions to the CIS community, they champion an environment of understanding, well-being, and broad-minded engagement with diverse cultures and educational approaches.

This year, it’s an honour to acknowledge the contributions of James Crawley, described by colleagues as 'intelligent, detail-oriented, hardworking, generous, and fun to be with.' 

Having travelled worldwide in his quest to engage and support students seeking post-secondary education abroad, one co-traveller noted that James 'always embraces the students, counsellors, families, and the cultures' he visits. Another noted that he is:

'... reliable, punctual, and kind, all very important traits for people who travel on group tours!'

For more than 30 years, James has honed his own professional expertise while encouraging others to be and do their best. He has done so through volunteer service to NAFSA as an international enrolment management knowledge community chair, co-founding the Study Michigan consortium, and sharing knowledge and insights as a presenter at countless professional conferences.

James is a consistent contributor to CIS events and is always quick to volunteer his expertise when we build content for our programming. In recent years, he helped us build student panels for virtual events, offered educational sessions for students, volunteered to moderate discussions, and provided sessions on topics ranging from auditions for the performing arts to understanding the social and emotional challenges of students transitioning to university.

One colleague writes that James:

'... tirelessly provides opportunities for guidance counsellors, EducationUSA advisors, and higher education representatives to learn together and network.'

James has received recognition in the past, including the Horner Award for Exceptional Service from the Michigan Association of International Educators and the Exceptional Staff Award from Central Michigan University.

We are delighted to add recognition for Excellence in Higher Education Practices to James Crawley, Director of Global Recruitment at Hope College.

 

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Don't forget!

You can nominate individuals and groups year-round!

As you meet, learn from, and connect with your peers at events throughout the year and around the world, we encourage you to nominate the individuals and groups of people who inspire you and make a positive impression on you. And we look forward to announcing the 2025 recipients at our annual CIS Global Forum on International Admission & Guidance each November.