Obituaries

Helen Stevens, a former director of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, died June 22 in San Jose, Calif., of a brain tumor. She was 75.

Stevens spent a decade at UB — from 1988-98 — as a staff member in the Office of International Education, first as an international scholar adviser, then as assistant director for international student and scholar services, and finally as director.

A native of Harlan County, Kentucky, Stevens earned a BA in French and French literature from Georgetown College and a master's degree in French language and literature from the University of Kentucky.  

Stevens began her began her life-long career in international student affairs at UK, being named assistant director of international programs in 1974. She moved on to Florida State University, where she served as director of international student services and programs from 1978-88. After her tenure at UB, she joined the staff at San José State University in 1998 as director of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. She retired in 2013.

Stevens was the recipient of a Fulbright grant as an educational specialist to West Germany in 1979. She chaired the NAFSA: Association of International Educators’ Region VI (’77-78), Region VII (’85-86) and Region X ('97-98) teams and was a session presenter in regional and national NAFSA conferences.

Friends who wish to honor her memory may make a donation to the Helen Stevens International House Student Resident Scholarship Fund or to the AAUW Scholarship Fund for Women.