Carole

By Adrienne

Carole at an IN Day

You may know Carole as the friendly person who greets you when you arrive at International Days, or perhaps you are lucky enough to be in one of her reading or conversation groups, but you may not be aware of the extent of her involvement with International Neighbors behind the scenes. 

Carole first joined IN in the fall of 1993 and stepped up to co-lead a conversation group shortly after. Two years later she joined the board as the Conversation Groups Coordinator and in her 30 years on the board has become an essential member, taking on many roles including Hostess Coordinator, Neighbors Follow-up Coordinator, Reading Groups Coordinator, Vice President and, from 2000-2001, President. 

Carole was one of the editors of the revised "Living in Ann Arbor" booklet that new members are given to help them adjust to life in the USA. She has also contributed many articles to the Newsletter over the years.

During her time as President, a program with the School of Nursing at U of M began in which students fulfilled their community service requirements by volunteering with IN, meeting with guests as conversation partners, helping to post flyers, etc. This is just one example of the relationships Carole has fostered with the university and the Ann Arbor community.

During the pandemic, Carole embraced Zoom meetings and the ability to maintain friendships with International Neighbors women who had returned to their home countries. She continues to offer her reading groups via Zoom so that former members can stay in touch with their Ann Arbor friends.

Having been on the board for 30 years, Carole has a wealth of institutional knowledge which has been of great help to newer members of the board over the years. If you have a question about IN, chances are Carole knows the answer.

Carole and ladies from various Reading Groups during Winter Welcome