International Programs Staff Recognized for Leadership within Professional Association

Charlotte hosted the NAFSA: Association of International Educators Region VII conference from November 6-9, 2022, attracting over 500 professionals from institutions of higher education in seven southeastern states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NAFSA is a premier membership organization in international higher education with a focus on international education and exchange and global workforce development.

Conference activities included sessions in areas such as U.S. immigration advising and compliance, education abroad program development and advising, intercultural communication and programming, campus internationalization, and more. A highlight of NAFSA’s business luncheon and awards ceremony was the recognition of two UNC Charlotte and Office of International Programs former staffers, Marian Beane and Judy Case. Beane and Case were awarded the Sylvia Shortt Memorial Community Volunteer Award for their vision and leadership as co-founders of the annual International Festival. The festival is UNC Charlotte’s largest, oldest and most inclusive celebration of cultural diversity in the Charlotte area. After three years of cancellations due to COVID-19, the International Festival will return to our campus next September for its 45th anniversary.

Session presenters and conference attendees from UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs include (from left): Joël Gallegos, Briana Casey, Yongling Gorke, Tarek Elshayeb, Judy Case, Marian Beane, Joseph Hoff, Denise Medeiros (local arrangements co-chair), Hunter Swayngim, Amy Mabery, Beth Lorenz (local arrangements co-chair), Nicole Ianieri, Rachel Ladenheim, and Vivian Klentos. Not pictured are: Dillon Clausner, Deidre Coleman (Belk College of Business), Diane Hancock and Adriana Medina (Reading & Elementary Education).