Dean of the Center for International Program Bruce Sillner. Photo submitted

Bruce Sillner, dean of the Center for International Programs, received the Marita Houlihan Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Field of International Education from the National Association of Foreign Student Affairs at its annual conference in Los Angeles, May 24-29.

Sillner is the second recipient of this award from New Paltz. Former New Paltz President Alice Chandler was also recognized with the Marita Houlihan Award in 1989 for her contributions to the international educational exchange field. As such, New Paltz is the only institution to have twice received this distinction.

The award is named for the former State Department official who pioneered the establishment of the Fulbright International student exchange program in the 1940s and 1950s. Established after her death in 1982, the award recognizes those who have displayed imaginative activity, outstanding personal enterprise, and creative contributions to the field through research, writing or program development.

Sillner, who has served as dean of International Programs since 2001, is responsible for all international activities at the college.

College President Steven Poskanzer, said “Bruce Sillner has been a global leader in expanding the horizons of New Paltz students. He is a true citizen of the world and has inspired thousands of our students to grow and learn about other cultures and countries. He richly deserves this recognition, and his college is enormously proud of him.”

Prior to becoming dean, Sillner held a number of positions at New Paltz, including director of the Center for International Programs; director of International Education; director of Second Language Education; and director of the Haggerty English Language Program.

Sillner is the former chair of the SUNY Council on International Education steering committee, is a frequent presenter on topics related to international education at national and international conferences, and a National Selection Panelist for the Gilman International Scholarship Program.