The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to honor Su Benli, BA Global Affairs '27, as the 2026 CHSS Senior of the Year.
Benli is an international student from Turkey majoring in global affairs with a concentration in human security and a minor in sociology. She is passionate about propelling women's representation in politics, which led her to found the student organization Women in Diplomacy, where she served as president for two terms.
For her global affairs honors project, "Big Brother is Watching: The Impacts of Digital Authoritarianism on Maintaining Long Term Political Power," she surveyed more than 70 people across Turkey and Iran about the social results of digital repression and did policy analysis on related laws. The project earned the Social Impact Award from the CHSS Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Excellence in Scholarly Inquiry award from the global affairs department.
Additionally, Benli has taken on leadership roles across campus, including as vice-president of the Global Affairs Club, vice-president of the Geography Club, and outreach ambassador for Henna for a Cause. She also serves as a Learning Assistant for GGS101: Major World Regions, has interned twice with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Directorate for EU Affairs of Turkey, and studied abroad in Thailand.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences honors distinguished alumni each fall at Community and Catalysts: Achievements, Awards, and Innovations. This signature event is a celebration of alumni, faculty, and students whose leadership, research, and service have made outstanding contributions to their fields, communities, and to the university.