Kenneth J. Herrmann Jr., associate professor of social work and director of The Vietnam Program at the State University of New York College at Brockport, received the Certificate of Merit of the Danang People's Committee during ceremonies, January 9, in Danang, Vietnam. The award was presented by the Danang People's Committee vice chairman Tran Phuoc Chinh in recognition of Herrmann's humanitarian, educational and economic contributions to the region and its people and for his continuing contributions in enhancing the relationship between America and Vietnam and strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations. "The award came as quite a surprise. It's a high-level award that is rarely presented to foreigners," said Herrmann. In addition to directing the Brockport Vietnam Program, Herrmann serves in a variety of service roles, including directing the Danang/Quang Nam Fund, Inc., an NGO serving the poor in Vietnam. He also is a consultant and the US representative for Duc Tri College in Vietnam and a consultant for the Danang Department of Foreign Affairs. The SUNY Brockport Vietnam Program in Danang was started by Herrmann in 1999 in coordination with the Danang Friendship Unions Association. Since that time, more than 100 US students have participated in the semester-long program that features a unique combination of study and service. Students study the Vietnamese language, history, culture and politics. They also provide charitable activities that include community service at a variety of locations such as a group home for disabled children, a nursing home and teaching English to local students. Herrmann has been a member of the SUNY Brockport Department of Social Work faculty since 1978. He has been the president of a US branch of an international children's rights organization, a consultant for a variety of news organizations and international human rights organizations, and a guest on hundreds of news and media programs around the world. He has completed commissioned studies for UNICEF and the Hague Conference on Private International Law and has published three books, dozens of articles, book chapters and many book reviews. He has served as a member of the New York State Board for Social Work, with the World Federation of Mental Health, and as the director of a veterans' counseling center. He also provides consultation for numerous other international organizations and advocacy efforts. He teaches courses in international social work, methods, and social justice. Herrmann is a veteran of the Vietnam conflict. January 28, 2007 |
