Maureen Landers: A lifetime of travel benefits the University Honors Program

	Maureen Landers not only enjoys visiting different states and countries, she also uses what she has learned about different cultures to benefit the University Honors Program.

Maureen Landers,  admin-istrative assistant for the University Honors Program, has seen more of the world than most people hope to see in a lifetime. At 17, she came to the United States from England all by herself, unafraid to travel alone.

"I always wanted to come to the States," she says. "Who is afraid at 17? I felt that I had outgrown England and wanted to explore and travel and broaden my experiences."

After arriving in the United States in 1962, she lived in New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin before moving to Texas in 2001. She says that in America, each state has a  distinctive culture, and "you can get a different feel for the different states."

"I came from living in Wisconsin, which is mostly German and Polish immigrants. It is a lovely state, but very reserved and far less friendly than Texas," she says.

Landers has continued to travel throughout her life. She has visited Turkey, France, Italy and Spain, among other nations. She says the small Greek island of Zakynthos has been her favorite so far because of the beautiful beaches and friendly people.

"People of different cultures are so interesting," she says. "Also, it is great to touch base with the history that you have read about. You can imagine it, but it is wonderful to actually see what it looks like."

She also enjoys attending operas, ballets and plays and visiting museums because she says these activities allow her to immerse herself in different cultures.

Traveling is something she has always encouraged her two now grown children to do. She feels it gives them a type of education they couldn't receive any other way.

"My kids have been lucky. My family all live in London, which is a good jumping-off spot for Europe. So they have gotten to travel a lot since they were infants," she says.

Landers says her many experiences help her relate to others, which aids her in her everyday life and on the job.

Some of her duties in the honors program include making travel arrangements, keeping track of the academic progress of honors students, arranging activities and events, and handling the payroll.

"I don't have the same job every day," she says. "You never know what's on the menu."

David Taylor, academic adviser for the program, says Landers' background and travel experiences help in her work.

"Her awareness of diverse cultures lets her connect with students on a more personal level," he says.

BY MAGAN HENDON inhouse@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Refined UNT brand to be unveiled April 27 at public campaign launch
• Former UNT regent and donor dies at 92
• Regents pick construction managers for Denton, Dallas buildings
• UNT, Nuconsteel sign research agreement
• Work is under way to secure funds for 2005-06 faculty salary market adjustments
• Check UNT's policy before accepting a second job
• Six faculty recognized during UNT's annual Honors Day celebration
• Law school proposal moves forward
• Staff council reps elected
• English faculty member becomes first to fill ombudsman position

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