COLIN SAMSON

In my capacity as Director of the U.S. Studies degree programme, I have worked very closely with Gloria Vicary. Her work has led Gloria to develop and sustain important contacts throughout the United States. She has always ensured that our relations with exchange partners are amicable and has had a good eye for initiating new exchanges. Over the years Gloria has developed an extensive and sophisticated knowledge of exchange relationships and North American higher education in general.

Not only is Gloria a tireless administrator who never misses a detail but she is a calm, friendly and open person. Gloria's disposition is very well suited for international exchange work. I have taken part with her on countless meetings with visiting US administrators in which her grace, modest sophistication and knowledge of North America have created such a convivial atmosphere that serious business could be discussed as if we were all old friends.

Gloria is one of the few people I have ever met whose personality seems so well matched with her vocation. I have no doubts whatsoever that she will continue to be a great success in the field of international higher education.

Dr. Colin Samson
Director of United States Studies
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester
England

FIONA VENN

I am pleased to write in support of Mrs. Vicary, whom I have known since she joined the University of Essex. I have worked closely with Mrs. Vicary in my capacity as Head of Department, drawing upon her expertise in the field of international exchange programmes. Before then, I had ample opportunity to witness her excellent pastoral care for visiting students.

When Mrs. Vicary first joined the International Programmes Office at Essex she was largely responsible for providing day-to-day support and counselling for visiting students from the United States and Japan. Although these students were allocated academic advisers it was often to Mrs. Vicary that they turned when problems arose, as a friendly, familiar and highly supportive person. She advised them on academic procedures, and if necessary, negotiated with their teachers; she also gave considerable pastoral support. This ranged from talking to homesick students, to entertaining them in her home and, for those unfortunate enough to fall ill whilst here, hospital visits and logistical support. The sheer number of exchange students who still remain in touch with Mrs. Vicary, even several years after their time in England, is testimony to the effectiveness of her pastoral support.

Mrs. Vicary has visited the United States on a number of occasions and is in constant contact with her counterparts in many American universities. As a result she has built up an extremely wide network of contacts, as well as a wealth of knowledge about individual American universities and their requirements. Mrs. Vicary is an extremely pleasant, friendly and welcoming personality. I have served on committees with her, where she is a powerful advocate for international students. I have the highest respect for her abilities, and I recommend her very warmly indeed.

Dr. Fiona Venn
Head of Department of History 1993-1996
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester
England

MARTHA ARTERBERRY

I worked with Gloria Vicary when she was in the International Programmes Office at the University of Essex. Gettysburg College has a formal program with the University of Essex and every fall semester 15 students and a faculty member travel to England. I accompanied the group in Fall, 1996 and had occasion to interact with Gloria in a number of capacities. Upon my first meeting I was impressed by the fact that Gloria is a competent woman. During my tenure at Essex, Gloria always did what she promised to do, and then some. She is aware of the special needs of international students, and she has vast knowledge of the UK educational system (both as a parent of college-aged children and as an employee in the system for 8 years). She looks after students as if they were her own children but also recognizes their need for independence and growth, something both parents and the students alike appreciate.

Martha Arterberry
England Program Coordinator
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, PA 17325