Photo by Angie Chen

WHO SHE IS
Assistant Director, Office for International Services at Lincoln Center

TIME AT FORDHAM
Four years

WHAT SHE DOES
Kelly advises international students about their immigration status and helps them adjust to life in the United States. She is the University coordinator of the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The most important part of this duty is ensuring that Fordham complies with this new federal tracking system.

WORKING WITH THE U.N.
“I was appointed by my professional association—NAFSA: Association of International Educators—to represent it at the United Nations. As part of my duties, I encourage universities to form closer ties with the U.N. This year we’re working toward Fordham becoming affiliated with the U.N., which will expand internships for our students. This relates to the last—but most important—words of Fordham’s mission statement: “to prepare students for leadership in a global society.”

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
“Our office founded the Impact Initiative student group on all Fordham campuses. Members attend briefings at the U.N. that address the Millennium Development Goals: eight goals designed to make significant progress on global issues such as education and the alleviation of poverty. Part of our mission is to assist and enhance new initiatives at Fordham that are related to those U.N. goals, such as the Consortium on Social Justice and Poverty. In addition, we involve our students with opportunities to assist with the annual U.N./DPI/NGO conference and internships within the U.N.”

WHY FORDHAM?
“I like having the opportunity to further the University’s international mission. I was thrilled when Father McShane announced that he wanted to create a more international presence for Fordham. That’s where my heart is. It would be very gratifying if what we’re doing with the U.N. helps foster that.”

HOBBIES
“I’m the past president of the Rotaract Club at the U.N., which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of New York. I enjoy participating in grassroots community service projects that honor Rotary’s mission. Rotary International has done tremendous work related to the Millennium Development goals, and is a major force in helping to eradicate polio.”