Members of an organization formed to provide a link between Latter-day Saint professionals who live and work abroad honored Elder Donald L. Staheli of the Seventy this month for his vast international contributions.
During an annual conference held on the BYU campus April 4 — focusing this year on the Prophet Joseph Smith and his teachings, vision and impact on the world — the members of the International Society awarded Elder Staheli the Distinguished Service Award. Before receiving the honor, Elder Staheli was lauded for his "professional contribution and personal example."
The former CEO of Continental Grain Company, Elder Staheli was called a "true international professional," known best for his contributions in China. He served as chairman of the U.S.-China Business Council and Chairman of the International Leaders Advisory Council to the mayor of Shanghai. (That Shanghai major, Zhu Rongji, later became the influential Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China, serving with Zhang Zemin.) Organized in 1989, the International Society is an association of LDS professionals with international interests, said Paul Hyer, a BYU emeritus professor of history who now serves as executive director of the organization. The society, which does not collect dues from its members, is sponsored by numerous BYU organizations, including the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, the Marriott School of Management, the J. Reuben Clark Law School, the Department of Educational Leadership and the BYU Alumni Association, he said.
A vast database of information available to members can help them network with each other, Brother Hyer continued. Through the society, members can promote shared professional and social interests, address concerns, and provide support for the international programs of BYU and the Church, where possible.
Elder Keith K. Hilbig of the Seventy spoke during the April International Society conference.
"The International Society's conferences, publications, Web site and database constitute resources for an ever-growing group of Latter-day Saints who share a marked interest in the international scene," he said. "They offer such wonderful opportunities for learning and for networking."
Blaine Tueller, society president and board member, said when the society was started there was a real need for Church members living abroad to keep in touch. Today that need still exists, he added, noting that society members can contact one another with questions before moving to or doing business in another country.
There are literally thousands of LDS professionals serving in the military, government, education, law, private business or humanitarian organizations who still do not know about the organization or its goals.
"The goal would be to reach them all," he said. "To make it possible for them to be in touch with one another as personal and business needs dictate."
For more information on the International Society, go to www.ldsinternationalsociety.org.
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