May 2025
The University of Georgia’s Center for International Trade and Security, a global leader in strategic trade and international security education, has been named the Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade and Security. The naming of the center, which is housed in the School of Public and International Affairs, honors the legacy of two leaders whose contributions have shaped the university, the Athens community and the broader world.
The naming was made possible through a generous gift from the Ed and Robin Benson Foundation in memory of Robin’s late husband, Howard Edsel “Ed” Benson, and in tribute to Gary Bertsch, the founding director of the center. This investment reflects Ed and Robin Benson’s lifelong commitment to service, education and global engagement.
The April 29 naming ceremony drew faculty, alumni, community members and students to honor the contributions of these individuals and to celebrate a center that, for decades, has contributed to U.S. and global security education, training and policy analysis.
