St. John’s Professor Lauded For Spanish-Language Work

Caption: Dr. Marie-Lise Gazarian was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the Ecuadorian government for her work as an educator. Photo courtesy of St. John’s.

By Victoria Merlino

A professor at St. John’s University received a lifetime achievement award from the Ecuadorian government and the Foundation for the Integration and Development of Latin America for her work as an educator.

The award winner, Dr. Marie-Lise Gazarian, is a professor of Spanish and Latin American literature and the university’s director for the Spanish graduate program.

Dr. Gazarian’s past accolades include being appointed a Cultural Ambassador of Ecuador in the United States, receiving the Al Mérito Cultural award from Spain in 1981, as well as receiving a Citation of Honor from former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman in 1991 and 2000. She was also awarded a Certificate of Special Recognition from the U.S. Congress in 1997 and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Ecuador in 2000.

She is also the author of over 14 books.

The “Life Path to Educational Excellence Recognition” is awarded to exceptional teachers and professors from Latin America, Spain and the United States, and helps honor a teacher’s commitment to education.

Earlier this October, Gazarian was also named honorary professor by The Private Technical University of Loja for her work in Hispanic culture and the literary field.