Dr. Jean François Gounard was a tireless advocate for international students at SUNY Buffalo State.

For nearly 40 years in the Office of International Student Affairs, Dr. Gounard touched the lives of countless international students. He was instrumental in promoting closer ties between campus, Western New York, and the world. The Buffalo State community is poorer for his loss.

We are creating the Dr. Jean François Gounard International Student Award to honor his memory. The award will help international students in financial need and good academic standing pay for non-tuition expenses while studying at Buffalo State. These expenses could include books and supplies, medical needs, and travel costs.

But we need your help to make it happen.

Dr. Gounard knew first-hand what it was like to study in the United States on a visa. Your support can set another international student on the path to success at Buffalo State.

Please help us continue Dr. Gounard's legacy by giving to the Dr. Jean François Gounard International Student Award today.

"I had the honor to meet Dr. Gounard as an incoming international student at Buffalo State in July 2000. During our first meeting, he was candid with me. He stated that being an international student is hard and that I will need to be ready for anything. His honesty was jolting but sorely needed. I mustered my courage and spoke softly but firmly about my plans. I think he liked what I had to say, as he kept quiet and let me finish my thoughts. From that day onwards, Dr. Gounard was my guiding beacon and the pillar of strength for six years. I often stopped by his office for a critique, advice, words of encouragement, and lecture on all things related to academia, life, work, and anything else. We worked on many projects, including the International Student and Scholar Services Website, International Student Organization activities, newsletters, and other academic ventures. I frequently reflect on those days, and I think of Dr. Gounard. I felt that he would always be at Buffalo State, helping internationals. Except, he isn't, and I miss him dearly. But he is in my thoughts. Almost daily, when making a difficult decision, I ask myself what he would do in a given situation. Thank you, Dr. Gounard, for being there for us all."

-Nedim Slijepcevic, '03