In Memoriam: Arlene Snyder
Twenty-five years’ service to Arcadia in Study Abroad
The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University is saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Arlene Snyder, Director of Health, Safety and Security. As an experienced expert in the provision of health and safety in international education, Arlene was exceptionally well regarded professionally, at home and abroad, and will be greatly missed by many.
Arlene joined Arcadia University in 1990, and over the course of 25 years, she made many contributions to The College of Global Studies and to the field of international education. She held her final role for The College as Director of Health, Safety and Security from 2008 to 2015.
Arlene had primary responsibility for health, safety and security matters for all students studying on an Arcadia program abroad, including monitoring and assessing international health and safety data, reviewing appropriate emergency plans for all overseas sites, and keeping students, parents, and home school advisors informed of the situations as they arose. Her complete dedication to the wellbeing of students and to best practice was unwavering and inspirational. She carried out her role with a fine attention to detail; always insisting on excellence and working hard to achieve it, no matter the day or the hour.
She brought such dedication to her relationships with colleagues and friends too. She cared deeply about us all here at The College and her sense of humor, baking skills and friendship will be fondly remembered and treasured by us all.
Many in the field will know Arlene through her collaborations with NAFSA: Association of International Educators. As a member of the NAFSA Trainer Corps, she helped revise the curriculum for NAFSA’s Health and Safety in Education Abroad workshop; she was lead trainer for the 2009 workshop at NAFSA’s national conference; and she served on the association’s Health and Safety Subcommittee and on the Inter-associational Advisory Committee on Health and Safety. She also held the position of Core Education Program (CEP) Workshop Dean, Health, Safety and Risk Management in Education Abroad for NFASA. In addition, she wrote and edited publications and was quoted as an expert on study abroad for several outlets and organizations.
Arlene held a bachelor’s degree from Cook College, Rutgers University, a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Arcadia University.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being suggested for The David C. Larsen Endowed Scholarship for International Education at Arcadia University (ATTN: Office of University Advancement) or for Our Lady Help of Christians.