Jul 17, 2014 06:06 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Gustavo J. Artaza, President and CEO of International Studies Abroad (ISA), has made a gift of $1.5 million to support global education initiatives and establish the Artaza Center for Excellence in Global Education at Carroll College.

President Dr. Tom Evans said that only few people have created more opportunities for education abroad than Artaza.

"His gift will have an extraordinary impact on Carroll College as it will enable more students and faculty to live and learn abroad," Evans said in a statement.

Artaza said that an international component should be included in a student's curriculum as experiencing other cultures will help them become better future leaders.

The Artaza Center for Excellence in Global Education, located in St. Charles Hall, will operate in conjunction with related services including the Office of International Programs.

The Center aims to provide resources to Carroll College in order to develop and maintain networks with partner universities and programs around the world.

The Center will invite leaders from international educational communities for a series of public lectures; award scholarships to students and faculty seeking to study abroad; and introduce programs that incorporate service learning and internships.

"These programs are particularly important to students' education abroad as they provide a direct link to the culture outside of the classroom, while also creating a mutually beneficial relationship between the student and their hosts," Artaza said.

Artaza hopes that the Center will attract students toward Carroll College and fulfill their desire to explore the world through international experiences offered at this Center.

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit