Binghamton University of New York selected Minnie Battle Mayes ’75 as the recipient of The Edward Weisband Distinguished Alumnus award for public service/or contribution to public affairs. Mayes is director of international programs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

The award recognizes one alumnus or alumna each year whose life, work, career and contributions exemplify the highest standards of public service and deepest dedication to public affairs and sustenance of the common good at home and abroad.

This award was of particular significance to Mayes because as a student of political science, she was appointed by the President of the University to serve on the African Studies Committee under the leadership of Weisband. This Committee developed the Department of African and African-American Studies which began at Binghamton University in 1973. In recognition of her work on the committee, Mayes was awarded a scholarship to participate in a six week summer study abroad program in Liberia and Nigeria during the summer of 1973. This marked the beginning of a long career in international affairs. Mayes has held positions at the United Nations, U.S. State Department, and The American Council for Nationality Services/Joint Voluntary Agency for Singapore and Indonesia.