May 6, 2007
Doctor of Humane Letters
E. Maxine Bruhns is the director of the University of Pittsburgh Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs. Born in Grafton, WV, she attended West Virginia Wesleyan College for a short time before transferring to Ohio State University, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and philosophy. Upon graduation, she married Fred C. Bruhns, a refugee specialist who through his lifetime worked for several international organizations including the United Nations. During their extensive travels, Ms. Bruhns worked with CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, and taught English to Africans, Cambodians, Iranians, and Vietnamese, among others. She earned a master’s degree in education from the American University of Beirut. Since 1965, she has provided leadership and vision for the University of Pittsburgh Nationality Rooms, housed in the Cathedral of Learning. She and her husband established 34 international study scholarships providing summer study abroad funding to over 800 students. Ms. Bruhns received the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh 2004 Tribute to Women award in recognition of her commitment to international education. Her vision of opening educational doors now includes West Virginia Wesleyan College with the establishment of three scholarship programs.
Source:
- Commencement Program: May 6, 2007
PLM 7/21/18