FORMER ABSDF STUDENT AWARDED

[lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release
Date: May 4, 1998


FORMER ABSDF STUDENT AWARDED " OUTSTANDING GLOBAL CITIZEN AWARD"

Shwe Htee, a former member of the All Burma Students' Democratic
Front (ABSDF), was awarded "Outstanding Global Citizen Award" on
April 20, 1998 by a university in New York, USA for his role in
developing better policies for the school.

Tompkins Cortland Community College and the Global Student Union
awarded the former Burmese student leader for his contribution to
the school.

The award was presented to him on April 20, 1998 by Richard C.
Kiely, Co-Director, the Center for International Business
Education and Donna J. Nielsen, Professor, Nursing, and Global
Student Union Advisor. The presentation was made at the 17th
Annual Faculty  Student Association Student Leader Appreciation
Luncheon at Tompkins-Cortland Community College in Dryden, NY.  

The Director Kiely said that the award was given to Shwe Htee "in
recognition of  his dedication to creating activities that
enhance global awareness at Tompkins Cortland Community College,
and in acknowledgment of his unselfish commitment to making the
world a better place."

Shwe Htee who took an active part in the 1988 uprising and joined
the ABSDF after the military crackdown in September 1988, was the
President of the Global Student Union, a student senator, and a
member of the Board of Trustees of the Faculty Student
Association at the University.

For the past few years, Shwe Htee has held events and
demonstrations at the college and has lectured the students
regarding the situation in Burma. Shwe Htee has also actively
participated in the school community and its government.  

Last year, Khin Ohmar, a well-known student activist was also
awarded two prizes for her contribution in raising more awareness
on the situation in Burma. She won an award entitled "Capital
Area Peace Maker Award" from American University's Peace and
Conflict Resolution Program in Washington, DC.  She was also
given another award titled "Refugee Leader of Promise Award" from
the Women's Commission on Refugee Women and Children of New York,
a prominent advocacy group on refugee women around the world. 

For the past five years, Khin Ohmar has toured more than 100
schools and university campuses all over the US and several
countries and given lectures on Burma. Khin Ohmar is a former
member of the ABSDF and a member of the Burmese Women Union
(BWU).

All Burma Students' Democratic Front

For more information please call 01-654 4984