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The University of New Mexico

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Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920
cgonzal@unm.edu

Nov. 14, 2007

UNM’s Melville Receives Award for Excellence in International Education

Linda Melville, international advisement specialist in the University of New Mexico Office of International Programs and Studies, has been named the 2007 recipient of the Bruce Tracy Award, given for excellence in the field of international education. The Bruce Tracy Award is given to a NAFSA – Association for International Educators – member whose professional and personal contributions to the field of international education go beyond normal job expectations .

The award was granted by the NAFSA Region II award selection committee. Region II, the largest geographic region in the U.S., is an eight state region that includes New Mexico.

Melville said, “Looking at the letters of recommendation, I am truly overwhelmed by all of the extremely kind words – as well as the number of people who wrote letters on my behalf.  I am really fortunate to have such wonderful colleagues and friends in international education and in higher education.”

Melville was recognized as a professional who devotes a great deal of personal time to programs for international students and toward campus internationalization efforts, provides significant leadership at the regional and national level, and as a member who reflects the ideals and goals of the professional association through her professional commitment and dedication to the field of international education.

Melville was nominated by her colleagues Heather Greene and Christina Rosado-Maher, who collected letters of support across campus. Vice President for Student Affairs Eliseo Torres wrote, …”Since the U.S. government implemented dramatic changes in the issuance of student and scholar visas post September 11 th, the University of New Mexico has relied heavily upon Ms. Melville’s expertise in visa laws to ensure that we follow the regulations.”

Tom Bogenschild, director, Office of International Programs and Studies, wrote, “Linda’s contributions to international education have been profound, and have reached students, scholars, and colleagues locally, statewide, region-wide, and nationally.”

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