Justin Dutram, Assistant Vice President Mexico and Latin American Affairs, Receives The Mexican Government’s Ohtli Award
President Robert C. Robbins (L), Czarina López, Iliana López, Rafael Barceló Durazo, Consul of Mexico in Tucson, and Assistant Vice President, Mexico and Latin American Affairs, Justin Dutram (R).
Arizona International is proud to announce that Assistant Vice President, Mexico and Latin American Affairs, Justin Dutram received the Ohtli Award at the Consulate of Mexico’s Mexican Independence Day Concert in Tucson on September 15.
The Ohtli Award is the highest recognition granted by the Mexican Government to those who have distinguished themselves through their work over many years for the benefit of the Mexican-origin community abroad, in any field of human endeavor.
“This award is a testament to Justin Dutram’s commitment and dedication to fostering connections between the University of Arizona and Mexico,” said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. “His leadership has benefited the university, our state, and both nations. It is a truly well-deserved honor.”
Dutram has more than 25 years of experience in coordinating bilateral programs and initiatives with Mexico. In 2017, he commenced a pivotal role at the University of Arizona to strengthen connections between the University and Mexico. Initiated by President Robbins, Dutram's role places specialized focus on Mexico initiatives, recognizing the significance of the relationship between Arizona and its neighboring country.
Fostering connections and initiatives, Dutram liaises with partners in Mexico and engages with stakeholders within Arizona. His role is multifaceted, whether it's facilitating student exchange programs, promoting research collaborations, or convening thought leaders to discuss critical issues like arms trafficking and trade relations.
Helping to cultivate partnerships in Mexico and Latin America, including a longstanding relationship with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Dutram’s work has helped forge the creation of programs that have not only impacted academic and research endeavors but also opened doors for transformative experiences for students.
Most recently, Dutram was involved in facilitating an agreement between UArizona and the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas to collaborate in research and education in the area of ONE Health, an interdisciplinary effort that addresses the nexus of human, veterinary, and environmental health.
Dutram feels a profound sense of honor and dedication to advancing the bilateral relationship between the United States and Mexico. He recognizes that the future of these two nations is intertwined, and he views his contributions as a means to strengthen this connection.
“If we look geopolitically around the world, it's not just security issues, it's also sustainability, and managing and developing the human potential that we have as a region,” Dutram said. “I think that the three countries of North America together, and especially the U.S. and Mexico, have so much to gain by growing together versus having an adversarial relationship. I am honored and privileged that I have the opportunity to be able to contribute in a small way.”
Read the expanded version of this article on University of Arizona News.