Former University of New Mexico student and May 2008 graduate John Smeltzer passed away Friday in Barcelona, Spain following a heart attack. Smeltzer was in Spain and traveling abroad following a faculty-led program that ended May 25. A native of Chicago and an adopted New Mexican, Smeltzer is the son of Mera Wolf. He was a graduate of Albuquerque’s Highland High School. At UNM, he earned his Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science, French, Spanish and European Studies, with a minor in Economics.
Photo: John Smeltzer
“We are terribly saddened to learn that one of our recent graduates, John Smeltzer, died while traveling in Spain,” said UNM President David J. Schmidly. “John was a popular, involved young man and an extraordinary student. His death has come as a great shock to all on campus who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to John's mother, Mera Wolf, and his family and friends.”
An outstanding student, Smeltzer was recently awarded the Clauve Outstanding Senior Award honor given to UNM’s finest students in academics, leadership and citizenship. UNM awarded Smeltzer the Clauve Outstanding Senior Award at the 2008 Recognition Reception in early-April.
The Clauve Award is presented to seniors who have performed well academically along with significant contributions to the general welfare of the campus community through their involvement in student organizations and activities. Smeltzer was honored along with five other Clauve Outstanding Senior Award recipients.
In 2007, Smeltzer served as the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society President, Lambda Lota Tau Literature Honor Society Vice President, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Chairman for the UNM Model UN Conference and the UNM World Affairs Delegation Public Relations Chair.
In addition to his positions, Smeltzer was been a member in the UNM Honor Student Advisory Council, Amnesty International, American Civil Liberties Union and UNM International Affairs Committee. Smeltzer volunteered his time as the UNM Campus Organizer for African Spring Book Drive.
During 2006, Smeltzer served as the Secretary to the Golden Key International Honor Society, UNM Study Abroad Association and the Treasure to UNM World Affairs Delegation and the UNM Committee on Foreign Affairs. He also served as the Chairman to the Rules’ Committee for the UNM Model UNM Conference.
Smeltzer began participating in UNM campus activities in 2005 serving as the UNM Study Abroad Association vice president and the UNM World Model United Delegation secretary.
Smeltzer also worked in the Office of International Studies where he left an indelible mark in the office.
"John Smeltzer was an integral part of the Office of International Studies and Programs at for two years, serving as an office assistant while pursuing his degrees," said Tom Bogenschild, director, Office of International Studies. "His contributions to international education at the university were profound and lasting. John was beloved among our staff and across campus.
"His dry wit, compassion, and intellectual curiosity were trademarks. Before he left for Spain he made it a point to stop by to say goodbye even though he was in a rush to get packed for the trip. We are reeling from this loss, and our hearts go out to others who knew and loved John as we do."
Posted by scarr at June 17, 2008 01:11 PM