Life Membership is awarded each year to NAFSAns in recognition of their career achievements in advancing the goals of the Association and of international education and exchange. Individuals become eligible for nomination at the time of their retirement from professional responsibilities in the field of international education.
Life Membership is not automatically granted to members who attain emeritus status. Life Membership is automatically conferred upon past Presidents and Chairs of the NAFSA Board of Directors upon retirement from professional responsibilities in international education, with a notification to NAFSA's Vice President for Professional Development and Engagement.
Life Members receive regular membership privileges and a waiver of annual dues and Annual Conference registration fees. Multiple Life Membership Awards may be bestowed each year, subject to Board approval.
The nomination period for this award has closed. Nominations will re-open in November.
For 46 years, Gail has fostered innovative perspectives and resilient leadership to the associations where she has worked and volunteered. From 1992 until her retirement, Gail served on the NAFSA staff, first as Senior Director, Special Programs, and then as Senior Director, Organizational...
After more than four decades in the field, Ann Kuhlman retired at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year from her position as Executive Director of the Yale University’s Office of International Students and Scholars. Prior to Yale, Ann Kuhlman served for 22 years as the Associate Director of Office...
Janice Bogen opened the Office of International Affairs at Thomas Jefferson University in September 1991 and retired from there in March 2022. The office facilitates incoming and outgoing student, provider, researcher and faculty mobility and employment supporting the work of the Global Centers in...
Mary Reeves, PhD, retired as the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) Executive Director in 2020 and as Executive Advisor in 2021. She has been an active NAFSA member since 1986, attending every Annual Conference except one since then - 34 conferences - including as chair of...
Kerry Geffert is an international educator with a broad skill set, having worked for both universities and international education organizations in the areas of international student services, international recruitment, education abroad and marketing. A NAFSAn for over 40 years, Kerry has served in...
Susan was the Director of International Programs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas from 1990 to 2022. She served two terms on the NAFSA Board of Directors, including one term as Vice President for Member Relations. She has also served on many NAFSA committees. Susan was a member of the Board of...
Mark Hallett served the field of international education for over 30 years at Indiana University, the University of New Orleans, and Colorado State University. Mark retired in 2022 as Senior Director, International Student and Scholar Services at CSU. Mark was active in NAFSA leadership at the...
The nomination for Life Membership must highlight the following:
The primary nominator must be a current NAFSA member. Individuals may not self-nominate.
The nominee has been a NAFSA member for at least 20 years.
The nominee must have publicly announced their retirement from professional responsibilities in international education at the time of the nomination. Nominations will be considered within 24 months of the retirement date.
The nomination must include the nominee's resume or CV.
Nominations must include two additional letters of support, each from a NAFSA member addressing a different perspective on the nominee's accomplishments.
The nomination documents achievements in the following areas:
Election or appointment to multiple NAFSA national leadership positions
Important and lasting contributions to the field of international education and exchange over the duration of their career
Positive influence on the lives or careers of participants or professionals in the field
Nominations that do not comply with the award criteria or nomination procedures will not be considered. NAFSA does not bestow posthumous Life Membership Awards.
