Rainy River Community College student Ryston Watts received a $500 Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award for the 2016-17 academic year.
Watts was nominated by RRCC men’s basketball coach and physical education instructor, Bill Engel, who states, “Ryston has epitomized the term student-athlete with his tireless work ethic both in the classroom and on the court. We look forward to seeing Ryston succeed during his academic and athletic tenure, not only at RRCC, but throughout life.”
Through the generosity of Dr. Mark Welter, this award provides a semi-annual tribute to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities students who most exemplify the thoughts, words and actions demanded by a 21st century world citizen. Award recipients are nominated by college/university faculty and staff and share some or all of the following beliefs/commitments:
All people are of a common species who share a common adventure in a common home.
The world shares common problems (pollution, terrorism, challenges) but views them through differing cultural and religious value perspectives.
All citizens of planet Earth mutually share an interconnected, fragile biosphere.
All people-all cultures, all creeds, all colors, and all countries-have been “depositors and with drawers at the world bank of knowledge.”
Our world is increasingly, inexorably, and undeniably interdependent.
No one nation, people, religion, or creed can unilaterally deal with contemporary challenges of pollution, population, poverty, pandemics, and peace.
