Virginia Sharp

In recognition of her service, Virginia received the University of Illinois Alumni Association's Distinguished Service award in 1990. This honor is bestowed on individuals who have served the University, its students, and its alumni in a special way. She has also been awarded the Mothers Association's Medallion of Honor and has been named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club for her years of community service.

If our work were to be considered backyard diplomacy, then Virginia Sharp was our Secretary of State. International students and scholars through their presence have for decades enriched our communities. We learn about their cultures, their traditions their religions and so on. In turn, they benefit from their own experiences. For many who have walked through the doors of an Illinois education Virginia Sharp left an enduring legacy of love, kindness and good old American hospitality.

Indeed, for at least half a century she was "our" ambassador. Cultivating the roots of friendship and understanding across national boundaries. The result is an extended Illinois family that has it reaches all over the world. Many of whom who will fondly remember one person who touched their lives--Virginia Sharp. I recently received an e-mail from Barbara Lamb--former member of the International Hospitality Committee. She was remembering Virginia Sharp. She indicated that she just returned from a trip to Australia, during which she met a U of I graduate. Among the people he knew the name Virginia Sharp surfaced. As I am sure you all know one can well pinpoint various other places across this vast globe where Virginia knew someone.

Virginia was "mother" too. For us who work in the International Student Office she was a pipeline to motherhood. It is was not uncommon for us to call on Virginia when we knew that what was best needed for an international student who was having some personal difficulty--was the loving presence of a caring individual. A mother!! And when she got that call from one of us… she always had room for them in her home and in her heart…for that we are eternally grateful and we say again "thank you." Thank you not only because you opened your doors but because you gave these students another chance as they developed the personal strength and ability to go on and achieve their own academic goals.

Virginia was also my colleague, friend and she would probably hasten to add mother too. Yes, I also benefited from her counsel. I will miss not having the chance to have another bagel with her at Cafe Kopi…but I am thankful for the privilege of knowing her for a span of almost twenty years.

The University of Illinois has lost one of its finest ambassadors!!