Godwin Apaliyah Award for Inspired Community Engagement
This annual award is named for Godwin Apaliyah, PhD, a Community Development Extension Educator in Fayette County who passed away in 2023. Committed to building community capacity, Godwin’s work in Fayette County focused on growing and galvanizing the business community, empowering local and emerging leaders, and engaging community officials in revitalizing downtown Washington Court House. Godwin often talked about the relationships and partnerships that were essential to his community and economic development endeavors. In the spirit of Godwin’s excellent work, this award is designed to recognize the outstanding efforts of an individual or team in building community through partnerships, cooperation, and meaningful engagement.
Recipients:
2023 - GlobalOhio Immersion Experience
The GlobalOHIO Immersion Experience is a collaborative program with OSU Extension, CFAES Leadership, CFAES International Extension Programs, and community cultural partners. In April of 2023, the first cohort participated in a culture immersion experience in Columbus and Cincinnati. The experience included engaged learning opportunities with the Bhutanese community, a tour of an international grocery store employing members of the international community, and an introduction to Islamic culture. Planning for the 2024 experience is currently underway and will be held in Cleveland.
Team Members: Jill Bartolotta, Steve Brady, Alisha Barton, Lorissa Dunfee, Julie Fox, Solomon Garner, Michelle Gaston, Chris Igodan, Daniel Remley, Poppy Thornton, and Susan Zies