By Ellen Garnett

Staff Writer

The Voice sat down with Mary Pyne, Simmons’ new coordinator for the Center of Global Education, to get to know her better.

1. What is your role here at Simmons?

I advise students on study abroad options, as well as support international students in all parts of their Simmons experience

2. What are your recent and current projects?

There are always so many projects going on—we are constantly looking for better ways to serve the Simmons community! Right now we are organizing programming to support the international student body during this time of change. For example, we are collaborating on an event with the COF: “Understanding Laws in The U.S.” (Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m. at MASSART, 621 Huntington Ave).

This is an event with an immigration lawyer and a professor of constitutional law discussing the rights of international students in the U.S. In addition, we have a Study Abroad Fair coming up on  Feb. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SAC—there will be representatives for opportunities all over the world!

3. What was your role before you came to the College?

I managed two International Internship programs at MIT—one in Spain & Portugal and the other in Africa.

4. It’s the honeymoon phase of your time at Simmons. What is your favorite aspect of it so far?

Don’t make me pick one! One of my favorite things are the students—you guys are so dedicated, passionate, eloquent, and strong.

I learn from Simmons students every day. I have worked in several institutions and have never quite seen such an amazing student body.

5. What are some of your hobbies or interests?

As predictable as it is, I love to travel and learn languages. I also love to dance—there is always music in my office  ( just in case anyone wants to come and jam to some international tunes you can find me in E-104).

6. Tell us a fun fact about you.

I speak four languages fluently (Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and English), but my Portuguese could use some work.

7. What do you think your spirit animal would be?

Gloria from “Madagascar.”

8. If you have one message for the Simmons community, what would it be?

Our office is not just a place for international students or students who want to go abroad. My door is always open. If you just want to talk about life, or something that has to do with traveling, the world, different cultures or whatever else—I am here.