I am honored to be asked to take the position to be the Interim Director of this prestigious International Summer School at the University of Oslo until the new director arrives here in September.
My admiration for the International Summer School has grown over several decades, as this institution has truly promoted international education and fellowship and I have proudly served in a variety of leadership positions at the ISS. Starting in 1976, as Director of the Scandinavian Urban Studies Term administered by the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs (HECUA) based in the Twin Cities, I taught undergraduates from the U.S. about the relevance of the Scandinavian Welfare State. This program continues today after celebrating its 40th anniversary. In addition, during several summers, I served as course leader of the Urban and Regional course, was housemother on a number of occasions and served for a period on the ISS Board.
In addition to my dedication to the International Summer School, and in keeping with my passion for higher education and international exchanges, I have been Secretary General for the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA) in Brussels, Belgium, and more recently have served as the Executive Director of the U.S.-Norway Fulbright Foundation for Educational Exchanges in Oslo.
I have a B.A. from Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota, and M.A. from the University of Minnesota.
Finally, I wish to thank past Director Einar Vannebo for his invaluable work and assistance with this year’s summer program. In addition, I want to thank the present staff, a dream team, for their positive, enthusiastic and productive work. As summer peaks in Norway, we look forward to receiving the over 500 students from 85 countries who will attend this year’s six-week session that begins on June 26th and together celebrate the 71st anniversary of the International Summer School at the University of Oslo.