Vice Provost Awarded Diplomacy Honor by Norfolk Sister City Association

March 12, 2015

Chandra de Silva

Chandra de Silva, vice provost and history professor at Old Dominion University, was recently honored by the Norfolk Sister City Association with its 2014 Citizen Diplomacy Award.

The association, a non-profit organization dedicated to "global friendship, cooperation and opportunity," gave the award to de Silva during its 2015 Annual International Luncheon on March 8, at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. The event also featured a keynote lecture by Steve Yetiv, an ODU professor of International Relations who is also a renowned expert on global affairs.

The Citizen Diplomacy Award recognizes an individual for exceptional contributions to international understanding and intercultural endeavors within the region, according to the organization.

In a letter notifying de Silva of the award, the organization's President David Lannetti wrote: "Your dedication to the mission of NSCA-to foster international understanding, friendship, and cooperation by promoting people-to-people exchanges and continuing relationships between Norfolk, Virginia and its international sister cities-has been extraordinary over the years, but your commitment in 2014 was particularly noteworthy. NSCA undoubtedly is a stronger organization and is better positioned to positively affect Norfolk as a direct result of your vision and leadership while serving as a Board member, Personnel Committee Chair, and champion of the ODU-NSCA relationship."

For more information about the organization or the Citizen Diplomacy Award, visit the Norfolk Sister City Assocation's website.