The World Trade Association of Utah (WTA), the state’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing global commerce, honored Utah Valley University’s Dr. Baldomero Lago last Friday as “Person of the Year” during its 50th anniversary celebration. Dr. Lago is UVU’s chief international officer and organizes and manages UVU’s global and intercultural academic initiatives.

“I am honored to have been given this award but know that it is the result of the work of a team of people under the umbrella of the UVU Global Engagement mission,” says Lago. “We have been able to create programs that provide opportunities for students and faculty to bridge the global-to-local community needs.”

He says WTA has recognized UVU as a leader for international efforts within the state, including organizing four diplomatic conferences, the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference with more than 6,000 attendees across 144 countries, and the 1st Academic International Conference on the Sustainable Development Goals occurring in October 2022.

“We are extremely proud of Dr. Lago being named the World Trade Association’s Person of the Year,” says Kat Brown, UVU’s deputy provost. “As UVU’s chief international officer, Dr. Lago is a tireless proponent of UVU’s students and faculty, ensuring they receive opportunities to connect with diplomats and world officials. The engagement he offers at UVU is incredibly rare in higher ed and keeps UVU’s name in front of major global organizations in very positive ways.”

Traditionally, WTA honors international business leaders as part of its annual event. A native of Santander, Spain, Dr. Lago arrived in the U.S. in 1987 to embark on an educational journey as a first-generation college student. Before his current post, Dr. Lago dedicated his professional career to teaching as a professor of language pedagogy and presenting his research in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Since 1999, as a service to his country and the local community, Dr. Lago has fulfilled his appointment as the Honorary Consul of Spain. In 2016, he was awarded the title of Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Civil Merit by King Philip VI of Spain. In 2020, he also received the UVU Presidential Award and Utah’s Diplomat Award.

Congratulations, Dr. Lago!