CASE Distinguished Service Award
The CASE Distinguished Service Award celebrates inspirational advancement professionals whose accomplishments and service to CASE have made a significant and lasting impact on institutional advancement. The award acknowledges individuals whose embodiment of the spirit of CASE, particularly leadership and generosity in sharing knowledge with the community of practice, have earned the respect and admiration of fellow colleagues.
CASE celebrates the leadership, innovation, and impact of professionals from different lived experiences. As in all its initiatives, CASE values inclusivity, and therefore, the Individual Achievement Awards actively seek the broadest possible set of nominations from institutions and individuals across the globe.
To be considered for this award, nominees must meet the following qualifications:
- From a CASE member institution or Educational Partner or retired from a CASE member institution.
- Made significant contributions to CASE through volunteer service.
- Current members of the CASE Regional Councils are not eligible for nomination.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Eduardo Behrentz
The CASE Distinguished Service Award celebrates inspirational advancement professionals whose accomplishments and service to CASE have made a significant and lasting impact on institutional advancement.
As President of the Superior Council and Rector at the Colombo German University Foundation, Dr. Eduardo Behrentz has led the institution to higher levels of educational advancement. His work has focused on alumni relations, partnership development, and revenue diversification, as well as regional representation through his involvement with CASE. Previously, he served as President at Colombian Learning Institute (INCAP) and served the University of the Andes in Colombia in various roles over the course of 9 years.
His contributions to the institutional advancement sector in Latin America are far-reaching. Throughout his career at the Universidad de los Andes, the Fundacion Universitaria Colombo Germana, and beyond, he has demonstrated visionary leadership in consolidating strategies for institutional strengthening—strategies aimed at developing alumni communities, diversifying revenue sources, and fostering strategic alliances between academic institutions and stakeholders in the productive sector.
A longtime CASE volunteer, he has served as a member of the CASE Board of Trustees and the Latin America Regional Council. He has participated in the faculty of Diplomado, served as a judge for the Circle of Excellence Awards, and served on planning committees for Congreso and the CASE Summit for Advancement Leaders.
The award was presented on April 21, 2026, at CASE Congreso.
CASE Leadership Award
The CASE Leadership Award celebrates CASE member institutional chief executive officers, system heads, and trustees for outstanding efforts in promoting and supporting education and institutional advancement.
CASE celebrates the leadership, innovation, and impact of professionals from different lived experiences. As in all its initiatives, CASE values inclusivity, and therefore, the Individual Achievement Awards actively seek the broadest possible set of nominations from institutions and individuals across the globe.
To be considered for this award, nominees must meet the following requirements:
- Institutional CEO, system head, or trustee (current or retired) for a CASE member institution.
- Institutionally Related Foundations or self-governed alumni association CEOs and trustees are not eligible for nomination.
- Current members of the CASE Regional Councils are not eligible for nomination.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Fernando León-García
The CASE Leadership Award celebrates CASE member institutional chief executive officers, college and university system heads, and trustees for outstanding efforts in promoting the value of education and supporting advancement at their campuses.
Dr. Fernando León García is an undisputed leader in the global education sector. He has been rector of CETYS University since 2010, leading the institution to institutional and program accreditation in the United States (WASC, ACBSP, ABET), and advancing one of the highest student mobility rates in Mexico. Previously, as Chancellor of City University of Seattle’s International Division, he oversaw programs, campuses, and sites across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He also served as the president of the International Association of University Presidents from 2021-2024.
A hallmark of his leadership is connecting people and institutions around the world. He has cultivated partnerships among universities and corporations within the region and around the world. He is a global advocate for the importance of education worldwide, and the role educational institutions play in transforming communities – locally and globally. Dr. León-García’s collaborative approach mirrors CASE’s values and global vision of advancing education to transform lives and society. He has advocated for CASE and for the profession of educational advancement around the world.
A dedicated CASE volunteer, he served a six-year tenure on the CASE Board of Trustees, including service on the Executive Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee among others. He served as inaugural chair of the CASE Latin America Regional Council, and has shared his expertise at countless CASE events and conferences, and hosted Congreso at CETYS.
The award was presented on April 21, 2026, at CASE Congreso.