IPC staff members Denise Bellamy (Director, Study Abroad and Exchange), Kaitlin Ritchie (Incoming Exchange Coordinator), and Angie Kapely (Study Abroad Coordinator) attended the NAFSA combined Region III and VII conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico on October 14-18, 2012. NAFSA is the professional organization representing the field of international education. This bi-regional conference comprised international educators from the south and southeast. Region III consists of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, and Region VII consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands. The conference provides workshops and networking opportunities for all areas of international education, including study abroad and international student services. Denise and Kaitlin also had the opportunity to visit the University of Turabo in Gurabo for a site visit.

Kaitlin was a co-presenter at the conference along with Amy Mabery (International Student and Scholar Services Coordinator, UNCW) and Laura Moix (Exchange Coordinator, University of Arkansas). The presentation topic was "Incoming Exchange Student Management: Tips and Tricks". The goal of the presentation was to share strategies for assisting and supporting incoming exchange students in pre- and post-arrival. Topics covered included tips for managing: application process, pre-arrival communication, course registration, US student volunteers, new student orientation, and getting connected on and off campus.

This year, each of the IPC attendees was acknowledged with special awards:
Denise Bellamy – benefits associated with completion of the NAFSA Academy 2012
Kaitlin Ritchie – awarded a $300 travel grant from NAFSA Region VII as a presenter
Angie Kapely – awarded an $800 travel grant from the NC Association of International Educators (NCAIE) as a newcomer to the field.

Congratulations to Tom Martinek, Jr.!

Tom Martinek, Jr. receives this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Anthropology

Tom is the seventh recipient of this award at UNCG. He was nominated by Dr. Susan Andreatta (Associate Professor, Anthropology). Tom said he was “surprised, excited, and honored” to receive this award and that it has given him the chance to reflect on how his anthropology degree has impacted his life and career. On Saturday, November 3, 2012, Tom was presented the award during the alumni reunion and student and faculty picnic at Piney Lake. Congratulations, Tom!