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International programs director focuses on campus unity Sharing the gift of language and cross-cultural understanding is the role of new international programs director Rebeca Mueller. Mueller, who grew up in Charleston, was appointed to the position in mid-August after the retirement of long-time inter-national program director Susan Brooks in June.   Rebeca Mueller But Mueller’s interest as an English as a Foreign Language teacher was not foretold. A 1991 University of South Carolina graduate, Mueller worked eight years with a stage and event planning company, Cellar Door Concerts of Columbia. At the time, her life was pretty routine until she was invited by her two brothers to vacation where they lived in Vietnam.   What began as a casual, two-week respite became a life-changing experience for her. Mueller quickly grew to love the area of Ho Chi Min City, formerly Saigon. She easily found a passion— teaching English to students—and became certified to teach and work in various institutions from the International English School and International Language Academy to curriculum work with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University.   “I loved it—the students, the people, the country. I learned to love Asia,” Mueller said. “It’s been one wonderful experience that changed my life.”   When Mueller returned to the Lowcountry last year, she searched for a job that would allow her to channel her newfound love for teaching and world cultural experiences while remaining passionate about her dedication to others.   “Through my role with MUSC’s Office of International Programs, I’m hoping I can be able to help bring people together on campus,” Mueller said, who wants the campus to consider the institution’s student base as a whole rather than diverse groups. “We’re working hard to do more than bringing internationals and other students of diversity together. Each of us should consider ourselves members of one campus community.”   For now, Mueller will focus her efforts on three campus groups: the Cultural Projects Council, the International Association, and International Student Association. She also will work in aligning her mission with the Office of Student Programs and Student Diversity.     Friday, Sept. 22, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.