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Maresmas
stir hearts, minds of Latin Americans
Give combined 54 years of service to UNM
By Laurie
Mellas-Ramirez
After
37 years of marriage Gladis and Fernando Maresma dont tell
their own stories anymore, they tell each others. The best
of the bunch blossomed from three shared decades at UNM.
We
were educated here, says Gladis, who came from Paraguay
to UNM on a Fulbright and earned her masters in Latin American
studies in 1970.
We
grew up here, adds Fernando, who immigrated to New Mexico
from Cuba at age 14, enrolled at UNM out of high school and earned
his BUS while at the same time working in the custodial area.
Their two
children grew up on campus, too, he says. Daughter, Adriana, 32,
is a professional dancer in Switzerland who fell in love with
flamenco studying at UNM under Eva Encinas Sandoval. She earned
a BA in dance and photography. Jose, 35, studied sports physiology.
The Maresmas
met while taking a UNM English language course. Gladis returned
to Paraguay to fulfill Fulbright requirements, while in New Mexico,
Fernando was tinkering with destiny.
Dr.
Frank Angel of the College of Education called and said, I
need you back here to help me with this project. I found out later
Fernando was pushing him to call me, Gladis recalls. We
got married on a Saturday and I started at UNM Monday morning.
That was
1965. The project is the COEs renowned Latin
American Programs in Education (LAPE) offering on campus training
programs for foreign educators and technical assistance in Latin
America. In 1985, other schools and colleges at UNM became involved
in similar efforts and the UNM Office of International Cooperation
was formed. LAPE and OITEC maintain a shared history in Latin
American education improvement projects.
UNM
is a pioneer in education of Latin Americans, says Gladis,
director of OITEC since 1992. We have the largest number
of alumni in this hemispheric area of the world, chimes
Fernando, program coordinator for the Latin American and Iberian
Institute (LAII).
In
37 years at UNM Gladis has done more for Latin America in the
United States than if she was living in Latin America, he
says. She has worked with 3,000 graduates from 19 countries.
More than 400 of those degrees were earned in UNMs Spanish
language masters programs in Educational Administration
and Foundations of Education and Public Administration.
Gladis says
often a Latin American who arrives shouldering anti-American sentiment
leaves with a new attitude. Working with people in other
countries is the main factor in putting an end to violence in
this world. Right now we really dont know each other,
she says.
Sept. 11
took its toll on OITEC programs, she adds. They come in
small groups now, but theyre still coming.
Gladis produces
a Spanish newsletter to keep in contact with OITEC graduates,
many of whom hold high-level positions in Latin America. Former
students include a vice minister of education in Bolivia, minister
of education in Honduras, minister of Women Affairs in Paraguay
and educational advisors for the U.S. Agency for International
Development in Peru, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.
The Maresma
home has become a bed and breakfast, hosting former students throughout
the year. We have a student from Spain staying with us now,
Fernando says. The phone rings at 10 at night and 6 in the
morning for Gladis with calls from Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia
or some other country.
We
love it, she says.
So
many are good friends, he adds.
Fernando
says Gladis is more than a program director she is advisor,
counselor and also midwife.
She
helped a sister of one of the participants give birth. Its
been almost 20 years ago and they still call her, he says.
Both are
adamant that UNM serves as an international ambassador indelibly
changing the lives of those who cross the border.
They
never forget. Their view of New Mexico comes from how well they
are treated at UNM, Gladis says.
Supporters
of UNMs foreign initiatives are across New Mexico as well.
Everyone from state senators to UNM Vice President for Student
Affairs Eliseo Torres and Provost Brian Foster recognize the importance
of strong ties with Latin American neighbors.
The
state legislature has been very supportive, Gladis says.
The
legislators recognize that these programs strengthen New Mexicos
economy, Fernando points out.
During the
past 37 years, LAPE and OITEC brought more than $75 million to
the state contracting New Mexicans as instructors, administrators,
advisors and general staff. Apart from tuition and fees paid to
UNM, participants bring hundreds to thousands of dollars each
to spend on apartment, hotel rental, activities and souvenirs.
LAII loans
Fernando to OITEC to help with special programs. His 17 years
arranging campus audiovisuals while on staff at the UNM Media
Technology Department helped him develop a campus whos who
list. He rounds up bilingual faculty, materials and classrooms.
Working with
Dr. Nelson Valdes, associate director of Cuban Programs at LAII,
and with a special license secured through the treasury department,
Fernando helps organize and often accompanies educational tours
to Cuba. He is working with Louis Head of the Cuban Research Analysis
Group and Continuing Education to arrange a tour for UNM students
and community members in June. He frequently serves as an interpreter
for international visitors to LAII and other academic programs.
Although
Gladis has an eye on retirement, Fernando has more stories to
gather. I love this campus and Im not tired yet,
he says.
Its
tremendous the network we have, Gladis says. I am
very satisfied with the work that we have done.
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