Jessica L. McMillan Honored with Pillar Award
TEANECK, N.J. (Sept. 24, 2009) — Jessica L. McMillan was honored by Fairleigh Dickinson University as a “Pillar” of the campus community at the University’s annual Academic Convocation on Sept. 23.
As University Director of International Student Services at FDU, she provides counseling on immigration issues, educational support and guidance, and orientation activities that connect students to campus life. About 8 percent of Fairleigh Dickinson’s 12,000 students are international students, hailing from more than 80 countries.
The Pillar Award recognizes exceptional individuals within the University who have made extraordinary contributions to the character and quality of the institution, its community and its cultures.
“Our international students with their diverse voices bring the world to campus,” said Robert Greenfield, associate University and Metropolitan Campus provost, in presenting the award. “But they also have important needs and cultural barriers to overcome. Your office is their gateway, and you are their guide. With wonderful sensitivity, patience and passion, you nurture their educational odysseys.”
At FDU, McMillan helped implement a sensitivity training workshop for campus members to provide a better understanding of students’ cultures and has been active with the Campus Council, Student Success Team, Student Health Task Force, International Student Association, Vancouver Planning Committee and the Emergency Planning Committee.
McMillan has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and sociology from
Pictured below are McMillan, Melanie Scarpa, and Greenfield.
