Neeli Bendapudi who is currently serving as a president of Pennsylvania University will be awarded the prestigious Immigrant Award for 2023.                         

Indian-American president of Penn State University Neeli Bendapudi will be receiving the prestigious Immigrant Award 2023 for her immense contributions to higher education in the US. The Immigrant Award is presented annually to an individual or organization exhibiting commitment and dedication to America’s heritage as a nation of immigrants and advocacy for humane immigration policy.

The 59-year-old Indian-American president of Pennsylvania University will be presented with the award at the DC Immigrant Achievement Awards reception, which will be held on April 28th. Mrs. Bendapudi holds various years of expertise in the navigation of the lack of diversity in leadership alongside the challenges confronting minority groups. 

Jeremy Robbins, the executive director of the American Immigration Council, remarked on Dr. Bendapudi’s career achievements in higher education, and his induced commitment towards student success and fostering inclusive excellence. He has created effective opportunities for students, faculty, and staff, aiding them to thrive exponentially. 

Mr. Robbins addressed her as a value-driven leader, with a firm belief in the transformative power of higher education and its critical impact on individuals and communities. He also expressed his excitement to commemorate the Indian-American university president, over her embodiment of the diverse contributions generations of immigrants bring to this nation as a testament to the enduring power of the history of immigrants.

Dr. Bendapudi was initially born and raised in India and later moved to the United States to pursue her doctorate in marketing from the University of Kansas, and, in launching her career as an academic leader and educator. As the first woman and person of color to be acclaimed as the president of Pennsylvania State University, she oversees the modern land-grant commission of teaching, research, and public service concerning the university and the online Penn State World Campus.

Mrs. Bendapudi expressed her gratitude and honor in receiving the award, sharing her excitement to be among the prestigious past honorees of the award. She remarks that each honoree reflects the importance and impact of immigration within the US. Defining immigration as a cornerstone of the American dream, she thanked the American Immigration Council for their hard work in transforming their dreams for a better vision into reality all across the globe.